Radio Smart Talk: Corbett plan to privatize liquor stores

Radio Smart Talk for Thursday, January 31:

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has maintained state control of the sale and distribution of most alcoholic beverages since Prohibition ended in the 1930s. Today, Pennsylvania is one of just a few states nationally that do.

Former governors Dick Thornburgh and Tom Ridge unsuccessfully campaigned to privatize liquor and wine sales in the 1980s and ’90s.

Polls consistently show the public supports privatization but there also have been pockets of strong opposition – especially in the legislature. Opponents often counter that private sales of liquor would lead to more drinking and drunk driving and less tax money for the state.

On Wednesday, Gov. Tom Corbett made the latest proposal to privatize and it may be the boldest, most sweeping one yet.

The governor wants to sell the state’s 600 Wine and Spirit stores and auction off wholesale licenses. Under the plan, there would be up to 1200 liquor stores.

Corbett is also proposing allowing beer distributors to sell liquor and wine as well as cases and six-packs of beer. Beer also would be available at grocery and convenience stores.

Perhaps the biggest bombshell in the governor’s plan is the $1 billion he estimates the state would generate from all the moves would be applied toward public education.

Thursday’s Radio Smart Talk will focus on the governor’s liquor privatization plan and we’ll hear from those who support it and those that don’t. Appearing on the program will be Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) and Katrina Currie, Sr. Policy Analyst and Dir. of Governmental Affairs for the Commonwealth Foundation.

What are your thoughts on Gov. Corbett’s proposal?

Listen to the program: {mp3remote}http://witf.vo.llnwd.net/o35/smarttalk/radiosmarttalk/RST_January312013.mp3{/mp3remote}