Issue: Privatization of PA Liquor Stores
On Jan 30, 2013, Gov Tom Corbett unveiled his proposal for privatizing the PA Liquor stores. Read the details on Gov Corbett's webpage. Read CPA Position Paper on privatization to get the facts about how privatization is linked to underage drinking. We urge you to educate yourself and then to contact your legislator with your views.
CPA's position against privatization is based on the recommendations and findings of the Center for Disease Control's Task Force on Community Preventive Services (February 2011.) In summary,
"Based on its charge to identify effective disease and injury prevention measures, the Task Force on Community Preventive Services recommends against the further privatization of alcohol sales in settings with current government control of retail sales, based on strong evidence that privatization results in increased per capita alcohol consumption, a well-established proxy for excessive consumption." http://www.thecommunityguide.org/alcohol/privatization.html
See CPA's position paper at "News & Advocacy - Positions & Policies" (6/21/11)
Also see "Underage Drinking in PA: The Facts" by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), September 2011. From this article: "Underage drinking cost the citizens of Pennsylvania $2.1 billion in 2010. These costs include medical care, work loss, and pain and suffering associated with the multiple problems resulting from the use of alcohol by youth."
Also see The Morning Call blog "New Radio Ad Hits GOP Leader Turzai On Proposed State Store Sale" 7/19/11 http://blogs.mcall.com/capitol_ideas/2011/07/new-radio-ad-hits-gop-leader-turzai-on-proposed-state-store-sale.html