LCB wants to update operation with longer hours, lottery ticket sales

Pennsylvania lawmakers are holding the privatization of the state’s wine and liquor stores at arm’s length as they discuss ways to modernize the system.

Meanwhile, the Liquor Control Board is asking legislators for help on a slew of reforms.

Among the requested changes are bills to allow liquor stores to sell lottery tickets, allow more stores to open on Sundays, and revamp pricing rules to make them more competitive with neighboring states and online retailers.

Sen. John Pippy, R-Allegheny, said efforts to modernize the LCB won’t interfere with efforts to sell off the state’s liquor stores.

“The House right now is dealing with the privatization side,” Pippy said Thursday. “Regardless of whether we privatize or not, these things would hopefully make the system better for the individual consumer but also increase the value so if we do go to privatize it, we’ll get more value out of it.”

The LCB also is asking lawmakers to give it more control over the civil service exam that potential employees are required to take.

An agency spokeswoman says the required test isn’t suited to the kinds of workers the LCB wants.