First Day of PA Privatization Hearings Are Pointed

Harrisburg was full of doomsday scenarios and the politicians who challenge them yesterday, as the first hearings regarding privatizing Pennsylvania’s State Store system took place.

Our favorite head-scratching statistic cited in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Pennsylvania, the sixth-largest state in population is reportedly 42nd in consumption of alcoholic beverages and would likely jump to 27th if privatization happens. Based on our cocktail napkin calculations, that increase in consumption would certainly be a boon for the taxes collected on alcohol, which currently puts $400 million per year in the state’s coffers. And how could Pennsylvania, the sixth-largest state by population, possibly by 42nd in total consumption?!

Value of state control of liquor sales sharply debated [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]