The Big news from Harrisburg today was that the a bill discussing the privatization of PA wine/liquor store has made it to the house floor. The bill started with Gov. Corbett and his proposal to have all the 600 state controlled liquor stores transferred to the private sector. After partisan non-sense the bill, with a few amendments, actually made it to the house floor where a vote will take place in the coming week or two. This is the furthest a bill to open up PA liquor/wine sector through PA legislature in many years and a positive step for the PA wine industry.
What does this all mean for us, the wine lovers of PA. We can hope for more diversity in our wine selections. We should be able to now expect knowledgeable owners and employees. And maybe this can lead to opening the borders for direct shipping.
Allowing organic growth of the wine community would benefit the state in terms of tax revenue. For the foodie this could improve the below wine list offerings at many restaurants. If the wine lists become half as diverse as the beer selections we are in for some major treats.
The main benefit of this bill would be that the citizens of the Commonwealth can enjoy the same freedoms as Americans in 44 other states. Philadelphia is the 5th largest city in the US and Pittsburgh ranks in the top 61 so the potential for growth is enormous. The opening of Pennsylvania would aid the emerging wine markets of the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic regions including Long Island, Virginia, Finger Lakes and New Jersey. Reciprocal shipping agreements could also benefit our local wine industry.
Unfortunately our elected representatives have decided that parties lines are more important than what is best for our Commonwealth and its citizens. This is not a political blog nor will it ever be, but do we really need the state to tell us what wines we can drink. That is why we have Robert Parker and James Laube.
How do you feel?
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