Liquor sales could soon be coming to a store near you in Pennsylvania.
Less than a week before Corbett gives his budget address Tuesday, he is holding a 2 p.m. news conference Wednesday afternoon to announce he wants to change from state-owned liquor stores to privately-owned stores.
Corbett is expected to announce a plan that would involve shutting down more than 600 state-owned wine and liquor stores as a prelude to auctioning 1,200 wine and liquor store licenses.
And most of those following the talks on this or even involved in the talks, believe the governor will announce plans to allow selling licenses for retail stores and wholesalers, also allowing beer and wine to be sold in supermarkets and convenience stores. He could even put forth the case for selling cases in places like Cosco, Sam's Club and Walmart.
The governor cannot just do this on his own. The changes would have to be approved by the state legislature. And attempts in the past to make the state stores private stores go from Gov. Tom Ridge on to up to a legislative proposal just last year that never got enough support to make it happen.
A spokesman says the governor believes Pennsylvanians should have the same convenience in purchasing alcohol as residents of many other states do.
Opponents fear the move will cost the state money, and a lot of union jobs.
Philadelphia Republican state Rep. John Taylor, chariman of the House Liquor Control Committee, said,
"So, if you make a beer distributor defunct because you've changed the rules because now you can buy it in grocery stores, what are you going to do with that person's license, his livelihood, his 15 employees or whatever. Not to say that it can't be done, but it's a heavy lift in terms of the problems it causes."
You have got a union representing all of those thousands of state store workers, plus a lot of the people in the industry itself who have been successfully fighting this with lobbying. The governor can announce anything he wants. The question is does he get the support from his legislature, FOX 29's Steve Keeley reported Wednesday morning from outside one of the state stores.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:21 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:21:46 GMT
He became an Internet celebrity for his interview after stopping a murder. But now it appears the tables have turned for "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker."
He became an Internet celebrity for his interview after stopping a murder. But now it appears the tables have turned for "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker."
Thursday, May 16 2013 8:39 AM EDT2013-05-16 12:39:06 GMT
Investigators say a police-involved shooting occurred early Thursday morning after someone broke into an off-duty officer's shed outside a home in Northeast Philadelphia.
Investigators say a police-involved shooting occurred early Thursday morning after someone broke into an off-duty officer's shed outside a home in Northeast Philadelphia.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 2:57 PM EDT2013-05-15 18:57:53 GMT
Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell has been sentenced to a third life term for killing an aborted baby that he described as so big it could "walk to the bus."
Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell has been sentenced to a third life term for killing an aborted baby that he described as so big it could "walk to the bus."
Tuesday, May 14 2013 1:18 PM EDT2013-05-14 17:18:57 GMT
Authorities now say an early-morning shooting in Burlington County involved a police officer and a man he found in the street, both of whom were wounded.
Authorities now say an early-morning shooting in Burlington County involved a police officer and a man he found in the street, both of whom were wounded.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:27 PM EDT2013-05-21 01:27:51 GMT
A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow.
A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:27 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:27:47 GMT
A century-old community staple in Cherry Hill was up for auction Monday. The Woodcrest Country Club has experienced some financial problems recently, and after efforts from the township and the Freeholders
Cherry Hill's Woodcrest Country Club went up for auction Monday, with a pending sale in place after an offer from a Marlton-based developer.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:13 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:13:26 GMT
The family of the 5-year-old kindergartner abducted in broad daylight from her Philadelphia school is now planning on suing the city and the school district.
The family of the 5-year-old kindergartner abducted in broad daylight from her Philadelphia school is now planning on suing the city and the school district.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:36 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:36:33 GMT
Philadelphia Police have released surveillance video hoping that someone will recognize the suspect wanted a fatal stabbing. At 5:09 AM, on April 16, police were called out to the 400 block of Vollmer
Philadelphia Police have released surveillance video hoping that someone will recognize the suspect wanted a fatal stabbing. At 5:09 AM, on April 16, police were called out to the 400 block of Vollmer
Monday, May 20 2013 2:22 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:22:16 GMT
Tuesday morning will feature another round patchy fog. It will be a mild and muggy start with temps in the mid 60s for the city and around 60 for the suburbs. Look for more clouds than sun with highs the low 80s. There could be a few spotty showers during the day.
