Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Reports Record Revenue

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, caught in a crossfire amid Gov. Tom Corbett’s efforts to privatize the system, announced record revenue and net income for fiscal 2013.

Its $2.2 billion in revenue represented a $93 million or 4.5% increase from the previous fiscal year, the board said in a statement Monday. The agency paid a record $512 million in sales tax, liquor tax and transfers to the general fund, an increase of $18 million.

In addition, the agency also provided $8.1 million in local taxes to Philadelphia and Allegheny counties, $24 million to the Pennsylvania State Police, $2.6 million to the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and $4.4 million in licensing fees returned to local municipalities.

Corbett, a Republican, favors selling the system of state-run liquor stores, which he said could bring Pennsylvania more than $1 billion for public education. But his initiative, including efforts to link the bill to a transportation funding bill, failed in the state legislature. Lawmakers expect to reconsider the bill during the fall session.

Democrats say they would rather modernize the system rather than sell it. They argue that privatization could cost the state $200 million in annual revenue and jeopardize 4,000 state jobs.

Established in 1933, the board regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol and also operates more than 600 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores statewide.

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Pennsylvania
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