Liquor Control Board Postpones Fee Hike

HARRISBURG (CBS) - The Liquor Control Board has put on hold a planned increase in fees that would have resulted in higher consumer prices for wine and spirits.

The Liquor Control Board was planning a January increase in the handling fees it charges suppliers. Many if not most of whom were likely to pass along the extra costs to consumers. Then Governor-elect Tom Corbett publicly questioned the move planned for the eve of his new administration. Now LCB CEO Joe Conti says the agency will hold off on the planned increase for six months.

Conti says, "The consumers are the winners because the prices will stay the same on our shelf through June 30th, 2011. And we'll continue to work and dialogue with the new general assembly and the governor on these matters early next session."

The new Republican majority leaders of the general assembly and the new governor have pledged to take a serious look at selling off Pennsylvania's state stores controlled by the LCB.

Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio