How Does a Wine Monopoly Lose Money? (Answer: When it is run by the Government)

Reason ^ | 09/05/2011 | Jacob Sullum

[ctdonath2]

Getting carded is barely tolerable. This is insane.

The nanny state discovered the subtle way to power: regulate an intermediary with whom none have an argument and who will consent to anything to operate. Very effective; even going as far as a breathalyzer based wine vending machine only inspires neglect, not tea-tossing revolution.

[Iron Munro]

Next: The government takes over restaurants and diners.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I used to go with my Dad to “Lou’s Beverage” in Downingtown all the time to get beer. It was a real dump warehouse like building...not even a regular retail showroom. Just a warehouse stacked with beer. A few years ago they changed the law so you can get six packs to go from restaurants. Georgio’s is a local hoagie and steak joint that has a good selection of beer to go by the six pack including the local Liberty Ale.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I always thought the licensed distributor’s had such political influence (ie, bribes) in Harrisburg that the state wouldn’t liberalize their liquor laws. I didn’t think it had much to do with unions.

[TChad]

When they are working, the kiosks dispense a limited selection of wines at limited locations and times (not on Sunday, of course!) to customers who present ID, look into a camera monitored by a state employee, breathe into a blood-alcohol meter, and swipe a credit card.

What about the liver function tests? What about the psych evaluation? Doesn't the State of Pennsylvania care about its subjects?

[discostu]

People get the government they deserve.

[JSteff]

They are involved. If not why their attendance at all meetings? (hint, it is not because they are good citizens)

[count-your-change]

Wait till they start making the stuff! The mind shudders.

[Grizzled Bear]

Here in Ohio, our selections are very limited. The little package store on Anna Maria Island, Florida, had 80 different kinds of Rum! I was in Heaven! Here in Ohio, You’re lucky if you can find a store that sells two of the many Rums that Mt. Gay makes.

We defeated The Soviet Union. Now, bit by bit, we're becoming the United Socialist States...

[nascarnation]

Does Ohio still sell booze only in state owned stores?

Wow I remember that from 40 yrs ago.

Here in Indiana we get it from WalMart.

[wac3rd]

I am still perplexed by the old Blue Laws and weird distributorships (like McCain’s wife in AZ) and how in places like Virginia, you have to buy overpriced liquor (not wine or beer) at an ABC Store...or in South Carolina, you have to buy booze at a Red Dot store in mini-bottles.

These monopolies make the cost of all alcohol go up tremendously, I remember once when we had a party in college, we drove from Boston up to New Hampshire and saved about 25% on the cost of the alcohol, including gas money to and fro.

This kiosk deal reeks of a Government-connected buddy of a politician and a bunch of union goons making a mint on an illogical machine.