Dem lawmaker urges modernization — not privatization — of Pa. liquor sales

    The leading Democrat on the state House Liquor Control Committee says it’s time to talk about modernization and not privatization when it comes to Pennsylvania’s liquor and beer sales.

    Now that House Majority Leader Mike Turzai has conceded the privatization issue is off the table until at least the fall, Rep. Dante Santoni, D-Berks, is hoping to find some middle ground.

    The chair of the House Liquor Control Committee says if lawmakers want to get something done, finding ways to modernize the current system is the way to go.

    “Give them some opportunity for pricing flexibility. Give stores, more hours for stores; take the reins off, allow them to be open more; allow more stores to be open; give some consumer opportunities as far as having coupons and things like that,” he suggested.

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    Santoni says most of the people he’s discussed the issue with don’t want the state to relinquish complete control of liquor sales.

    Gov. Tom Corbett has vowed to work with Turzai in tweaking a liquor privatization proposal for possible consideration this fall.

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