Unusual hearing today on privatizing Pa. liquor sales

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Mike Turzai will be the sole witness this afternoon at a liquor privatization hearing where committee members will weigh his proposal to sell off the state wine and spirits stores.

Turzai's spokesman, Steve Miskin, said although it is not the norm to hold hearings on plans that haven't yet been introduced, it has happened before.

He said the same thing about there being the only witness at the hearing, an event generally recognized as out of the ordinary.

Miskin said Wednesday's hearing is an opportunity for Turzai to explain his privatization proposal to colleagues who will be the first to make decisions on it, as well as changes.

The plan would double the number of liquor stores in the state by auctioning off 1,250 retail licenses; eliminate the Liquor Control Board's automatic 30 percent markup on products; and replace the 18 percent Johnstown flood tax with a tax ranging from $8.25 to $12 per gallon, depending on product type and alcohol content.

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