The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) is boasting about record sales again. But as we've pointed out in the past, that’s not much of a feat when you have a monopoly over liquor sales. And the claim is even less impressive when you realize the agency is $238 million in debt.
Like a private business, the PLCB now has to include pension liabilities on its balance sheet. These liabilities are in excess of the agency's assets, putting the PLCB (officially) in the red for the second year in a row.
Despite the agency's financial position, it's generated positive attention recently by allowing grocery stores to sell wine, but this is only a small step in the right direction. The most effective way to serve Pennsylvanians is to fully privatize the system. This is important for two reasons.
First, it eliminates any potential future bailout of the PLCB. Approximately 85% of PLCB’s revenue comes from taxes. That means the state will still collect revenue with a privatized system, but the $238 million debt will only grow as the pension liabilities rise. We should take the initiative to privatize the system before it becomes a bigger burden on taxpayers.
Second, privatization would benefit consumers. It would give consumers more choices, convenience and competitive pricing.
It’s time Pennsylvania joins the 48 other states that enjoy more efficient government and consumer convenience.
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