Commonwealth Foundation Affirms Liquor Privatization Study

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Commonwealth Foundation saluted a study delivered today to Gov. Tom Corbett that recommends Pennsylvania end government control over retail and wholesale wine and liquor sales.

"The study just confirms what the Commonwealth Foundation has been saying for months – that government in the booze business is a lose business," said Jay Ostrich, director of public affairs.  "Privatization of government-run liquor stores not only gives consumers the freedom to make buying decisions without government control, but it would safely generate significant revenue for taxpayers that is now currently lost due to antiquated and ineffective policies."

Of the options the study recommends, the free-market think tank supports a market-based approach that allows private businesses to sell wine and liquor to legal adults, just like 48 other states do. While the study indicates taxes and fees can retain current revenue for the state without any price increase, the Commonwealth Foundation supports lowering the tax burden on consumers.

"Consumers and taxpayers are demanding for good reason that government abandon Prohibition-era policies that have forced consumers to bootleg alcohol in the 21st century just to get a product they want at a fair price," said Ostrich.  "It's time for Pennsylvania to let freedom drink."

For more information on liquor liberty, visit www.letfreedomdrink.com.

SOURCE Commonwealth Foundation

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www.commonwealthfoundation.org