Governor Corbett made the announcement after the liquor privatization bill 790 was passed through the House Thursday. The bill was passed by a vote of 105-90.
Current state liquor store employees would lose their jobs, but
Corbett's plan would set up committees to help them find new jobs. Current LCB
employees would not comment.
"It's introducing free-market principles into
the system and getting away from a state monopoly, which is just archaic and it
doesn't work," says Dwight Weidman, chairman of the Franklin County
Republican Party.
Meanwhile Governor Corbett says, "House bill 790 ends the state's role as the sole wholesaler and retailer of wine and spirits, allows for true consumer choice, and increases enforcement, fines and penalties.
Under Governor Corbett's original plan, about
1,200 state liquor licenses would be auctioned off and
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
