File this under bad timing: The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board just announced that it is taking its 30 self-service "wine kiosks" off-line at 9 p.m. tonight to deal with service problems. This comes as Gov.-elect Tom Corbett is pushing to sell off the state-controlled system to sell wine and alcohol.
Here's what LCB Chairman Patrick J. "PJ" Stapleton had to say, via a news release just sent out by e-mail: "While customer satisfaction with the six-month old kiosk program remains high, recent problems -- such as product not dispensing -- require us to take immediate action while we wait for the manufacturer to correct all of the identified issues. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers and supermarket partners, but felt this temporary closure was critical to the future success of the program."
The kiosks, along with wine boutique stores, were put into play by the LCB in a continuing effort to move away from the old "state store" mentality that seemed designed to prevent consumers from finding the beverages they wanted to buy. You can read the LCB's news release after the jump.
News for Immediate Release
Dec. 21, 2010
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to Temporarily Close Pronto Wine Kiosks
Harrisburg - In an effort to maintain the highest levels of customer service, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) will temporarily close the Pronto Wine Kiosks statewide to address mechanical and technological issues.
"While customer satisfaction with the six-month old kiosk program remains high, recent problems -- such as product not dispensing -- require us to take immediate action while we wait for the manufacturer to correct all of the identified issues," said Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Chairman Patrick J. "PJ" Stapleton. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers and supermarket partners, but felt this temporary closure was critical to the future success of the program."
The kiosks, currently in 30 supermarkets across the state, will be taken offline at 9 p.m. tonight. Kiosk locations include some Giant(r) Food Store, Wegmans Food Market, Giant Eagle, The Fresh Grocer and Shop 'n Save stores.
Simple Brands, the developer of the kiosks, will be working on each machine to correct any identified issues. Once all of the kiosks have been fixed and thoroughly tested, the PLCB, along with its supermarket partners and Simple Brands will work to reopen the kiosks to once again provide convenience and value to customers statewide.
"We thank our customers and our supermarket partners for their patience and understanding as we work through these technological issues and look forward to reopening the kiosks in early 2011," Stapleton said.
Stapleton reminded customers that they can find their nearest Wine & Spirits store by visiting www.lcb.state.pa.us