Editorial | Privatize the liquor stores

As they say, you can put lipstick on a pig - but it'll still be a pig. Pennsylvania's Liquor Control Board is using a whole lot of lipstick.

The Board, which regulates alcohol sales, recently announced a $3 million effort to revamp the image of Pennsylvania's state-run liquor stores. By improving service, the Board hopes to disguise what is a giant state monopoly.

We commend the Board for making these changes, but the state shouldn't be using tax money to do better in the liquor business. Pennsylvania needs to privatize its liquor stores and let the free market work.

The idea isn't new.

Many state leaders - most notably former Governor Tom Ridge - have attempted to reform the liquor system. But every time someone tries to bring the state's liquor laws into the 21st century, politicians come forward to defend the status quo. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania residents are forced to pay higher prices because officials in Harrisburg can't grasp basic economics.

As a monopoly, Pennsylvania's liquor stores don't face any competition, so they can charge large mark-ups. In states that don't have socialist liquor systems, private liquor shops must compete for customers. This forces stores to lower prices and offer a wider selection of drinks.

Selling off state-run liquor stores to private companies would offer Pennsylvania residents the benefits of competition, while raising funds for legitimate government projects. Evidence also shows that privatization doesn't lead to massive increases in underage drinking.

In the end, it boils down to one principle: The freer the markets, the better the booze.

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