Pennsylvania Lawmakers Prepare To Resume Liquor Sale Reform Talks
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- It appears state legislative leaders are preparing to take another crack at reforming alcohol sales in Pennsylvania.
The alcohol sales issue stalled just before lawmakers' summer recess and has been in the background since. But now House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, an Allegheny County Republican, says the issue has been resurrected, with the lieutenant governor taking the lead in talks on a compromise between House and Senate leaders.
Turzai, a major proponent of liquor privatization, says he's optimistic. He says the proposal being discussed would eliminate state stores.
"Over time, yes," he said. "And the original bill had it over time, too. But everybody knows that it's an antiquated system and that it has to change."
A spokesman for the Senate Republican leader said it's too early to comment on details of any plan, but confirmed that talks on overhauling alcohol sales are ongoing, with the goal of getting a bill to the governor early this year.
