Poll: Pennsylvanians Favor Privatized Liquor Sales

Not really a core responsibility of government

HARRISBURG — About two weeks after Gov. Tom Corbett announced plans to privatize the state wine and liquor stores, a new poll shows a majority of voters favor the idea.

Overall, 61 percent of voters favor closing state-run liquor stores, compared to 35 percent who oppose, according to the poll.

Harrisburg's free-market think tank, the Commonwealth Foundation, commissioned Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz and Associates to conduct the poll.

Corbett's plan would close state stores, add up to 600 more retail locations, and allow for wine and beer sales in supermarkets and other locations. It would also expand what beer distributors can sell.