State senator supports smart privatization of liquor stores

Recent editorials and constituents across the state have shown support for the idea of privatizing our state liquor stores. I agree with them. Pennsylvania’s citizens should bHnHfiW IrRP WhH FRnvHnLHnFH RI bHing able to purchase wine and beer in their local groFHry Rr FRnvHnLHnFH sWRrH. ThHy shRuOG bHnHfiW IrRP the potential cost savings privatization can deliver. ThHy shRuOG bHnHfiW IrRP LnFrHasHG sHOHFWLRn.

Now that the House has passed their version of privatization, I want to ensure that we undertake privatization in a smart manner – so that we don’t repeat the mistakes other states have made in the process, so that we protect the small businesses that are the fabric of our community, and so that taxpayers continue to see the same (or even increased) bHnHfiWs WhaW WhH FurrHnW system provides in terms of revenue to the state. This is my duty as an HOHFWHG RIfiFLaO anG as Chairman of the Senate Law & Justice Committee, and it is a duty I take seriously.

No matter what road we take toward privatization – and there are many proposals that achieve this goal, including that passed by WhH HRusH – wH nHHG WR finG a way WR aFhLHvH these goals and avoid unintended consequences. That is why I will be holding comprehensive hearings on the Governor’s proposal and take a look at the various alternatives– so that we may craft the best legislation possible for Pennsylvania.

I believe we can craft the legislation that addresses the concerns raised by the Governor’s proposal and the House alternative. For example, the bill passed by the House does not provide for the convenience consumers desire because it requires beer and wine to be stocked in different areas of a grocery store. The bill leaves out the ability for taverns and bottle stores who currently sell by the glass to sell by the bottle. And it ignores spirits virtually altogether. Issues like this deserve the light of hearings to be discussed and addressed.

Privatization for political reasons – simply to tout the achievement – would be wrong. Privatization done the smart way to protect taxpayers, help consumers, and actually lift up Pennsylvania’s small wineries, brewers, distillers, mom-and-pop distributors and small businesses is what I support.

Opponents to privatization, or privatization as proposed in the House bill, have raised legitimate concerns. In Washington state, privatization actually resulted in increased prices for consumers and the revenues promised to taxpayers did not meet the goals put forth. We cannot have that happen here.

I believe that we can we make alcohol purchases more convenient for consumers without negatively impacting price and selection. I believe we can support small brewers, distillers and family-owned distributors. But I also believe that a little extra time to fully answer the questions raised is the responsible way forward. After waiting since 1930 for privatization, a little more time to “get it right” for every Pennsylvanian seems fair to me.

As Chairman of the Senate Law & Justice Committee, I am committed to working toward a new, better and private system for every stakeholder: consumers, small business and the Commonwealth. I just want to make sure we do it right.

(State Senator Chuck McIlhinney represents the 10th Senatorial District in Pennsylvania, including portions of Bucks and Montgomery counties)