You always take a bit of a risk when you are writing about something for a column that will run a few days off - especially when the topic you are talking about is still being debated.
Then again, we are talking about the Pennsylvania Legislature, so I felt pretty safe.
My print column - once again talking about all the hot air in Harrisburg concerning the great liquor privatization debate - is up. You can read it here.
As I fully expected, the Legislature failed to enact any reforms. They did manage to pass a budget, but they did not take action on any of the Gov. Tom Corbett's 'Big 3' - liquor privatization, pension reform and transit funding.
Why am I not surprised?
Actually, it sounds like they still might get a liquor deal in place.
Here's what you need to know. The Liquor Control Board and State Stores aren't going away.
Beer sales are going to be expanded, with bars, taverns and restaurants being allowed to sell as many as three six-packs to go.
Grocery stores would be also get more flexibility in selling beer, up to three six-packs as opposed to the current two. They also could seek to sell wine.
Beer distributors would be able to sell six-packs, as well as wine.
But here's what I'm not really sure about. It sounds to me like grocery stores may be able to drop the prohibition that they sell beer in a separate part of the store, and force customers to pay at a separate cash register. In other words, what I'm wondering is if you can put a couple of six-packs in your cart, go about the rest of your grocery shopping, and pay for everything as you check out. Otherwise, I don't see where the convenience is.
Convenience stores, such as Wawa, would be allowed to sell six-packs as well.
Our elected representatives, no doubt full of themselves after passing a budget and crafting a plan to bail out the Philadelphia schools, will be back at work today.
Let's hold our breath waiting for them to get liquor privatization done. Then again, that may not be the best idea.
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