We've got good news and bad news on the great Pennsylvania booze debate.
Bad news first: It doesn't look like full privatization is going away. Nor those state stores.
So what's the good news? You might be able to buy wine in the supermarket or local deli.
The state Senate yesterday voted 29-12 on a package of budget bills that include the wine bill, which has the support of Gov. Tom Wolf. Under the plan, the 14,000 holders of takeout beer licenses, such as your local supermarket, deli or tavern, would be able to sell up to four bottles of wine at a time to customers.
Sorry, beer lovers. If you were thinking of grabbing a bottle of wine at the local beer distributor while picking up a case of duds, they're not included.
And you'll still have to visit a state store if you want to buy strong spirts such as vodka, gin or whiskey, but you'll also still be able to buy wine there.
Following me?
Now, none of this is a done deal.
That's because it faces a much sterner test in the House, where Republicans want to blow up the entire state store system and turn sales of booze over to private enterprise.
I just don't see that happening at this time.
Then again, we don't have a state budget yet, and most of our movers and shakers are not headed to the Big Apple for their swanky annual shindig, the Pennsylvania Society.
Bet they don't have to go to three different stores to satisfy their booze needs up there.
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