Wolf Vetoes Liquor Privatization

Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed the liquor privatization bill on Thursday, rejecting what Republicans hoped was the end of state liquor stores.

“This legislation falls short of a responsible means to reform our state liquor system and to maximize revenues to benefit our citizen,” Gov. Wolf said. “It makes bad business sense for the Commonwealth and consumers to sell off an asset, especially before maximizing its value.”

State congressional Republicans, meanwhile, see HB 466 as an opportunity to reform an outdated system.

“Governor Tom Wolf has chosen to say no to the historic and much-needed reform of our antiquated liquor system,” said Pennsylvania GOP Chairman Rob Gleason said. “The liquor privatization bill that Governor Tom Wolf has chosen to veto would bring convenience to consumers and finally get Pennsylvania out of the liquor business.”

Gleason added that he believes most Pennsylvanians support the measure, and claimed that Wolf’s decision represented a giving in to special interests.

“While the people of Pennsylvania have been calling for this legislation,” Gleason said. “Gov. Wolf and the special interests who funded his campaign are standing in the way of liquor choice for the people of Pennsylvania.”

Wolf retaliated that the Republican plan would mean significant price increases for consumers.

“In the most recent case of another state that pursued the outright privatization of liquor sales, consumers saw higher prices and less selection.”

“I am open to options for expanding the availability of wine and beer in more locations, including supermarkets,” Wolf added. “I have also put other compromises on the table, including variable pricing, direct shipment of wine and expanding state store hours.”