Lt. Governor Cawley Touts Sheetz as Proof that Liquor Privatization Can Work in Pennsylvania

ALTOONA, Pa., Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lt. Governor Jim Cawley today stopped by a Sheetz in Altoona, the only Sheetz that can sell beer in Pennsylvania.  Cawley said the time has come to get government out of the business of selling alcohol and let the private sector provide greater convenience and selection for consumers.

While convenience stores like Sheetz cannot sell alcohol under current law, restaurants are permitted to sell a six pack of beer. In 2007, Sheetz opened a restaurant adjacent to this store and obtained a restaurant liquor license.

"If you want proof positive that in the twenty-first century, the private sector is perfectly capable of selling alcohol in Pennsylvania, look no further than this Sheetz in Altoona," Cawley said.

Sheetz currently sells beer and wine at more than 200 locations in five other states, including Ohio and Maryland. 

"Consumers in other states enjoy the convenience of picking up beer at their local Sheetz.  Why not Pennsylvanians?  Why not at a Wawa or a Turkey Hill or any of the other great convenience stores we have in our state?  It is time for the government to get out of this business," Cawley said.

Under Governor Tom Corbett's privatization proposal:

• Convenience stores could sell beer by the six-pack; 
• Grocery stores and pharmacies could sell up to a 12-pack of beer and up to six bottles of wine;
• Major retailers, like Target, Wal-Mart and Costco, could sell beer by the case and up to six bottles of wine.

Beer distributors would no longer be limited to selling beer by the case and could also sell wine and spirits, making them a one-stop-shop for all alcohol. 

Cawley noted that the Governor would require private sellers to use ID monitoring devices and would increase funding for enforcement by 22%.

For more information, visit www.pa.gov

Media Contact: Chad Saylor at 717-787-3300

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Lieutenant Governor