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PA Shoppers React To Having New Places To Buy Their Wine

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- For the first time ever, some grocery store shoppers in Pennsylvania will soon find wine on the shelves.

It's part of a recently signed law that Governor Tom Wolf has said will bring liquor sales in Pennsylvania into the 21st century.

Grocery stores that already sell beer, now have the option to also sell wine, up to four bottles per customer.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has approved 84 stores to sell wine across the state, including several in the Delaware Valley.

The IGA in Port Richmond is the only one in Philadelphia so far.

"I've lived in other states, where you can do this and it seems like it's been a really long him coming for us to be able to do that," said James Ryan of Olde City. "I do wonder about pricing and is that going to be the same."

Customers at the ShopRite in Bensalem, another approved store, said they'll definitely be saving on gas.

"The fact that now they're going to be selling wine is going to make it much more convenient, you don't have to go to a state store or Delaware," said Christopher Fischer of Bensalem.

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While many shoppers cheered the convenience factor, Barbara Moore of Port Richmond said the move may have unintended consequences for small businesses.

"The little neighborhood bars in the area, that's where everybody used to go, so I feel like it puts a damper on their cash out," she said.

A PLCB spokeswoman said stores have to submit applications and also become certified through the Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP).

Employees who go through the training learn how to spot fake ID's and identify signs of intoxication.

There are about 100 stores waiting for approval. Pennsylvania is also allowing licensed wine producers to ship directly to people's homes.

Click here to see the full list of approved establishments.

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