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Question: Why can't you buy beer or wine in a pennsylvania grocery store?

(Posted by: tigerlily on 2010-03-08 15:28:04)

I've just moved here and think it's really weird that you can't buy beer or wine in a grocery store...only in a liquor store for wine and at a beer yard for beer, why is this?

Posted by: Brian on 2010-03-08, 16:05:09

The state of PA owns the only liquor store, it's called the LCB and any time you want to buy liquor you have to go through them via one of their stores. It's a holdover of the Blue Laws and the end of Prohibition. The state likes it because they can haggle with suppliers and turn the savings into taxes (the state of PA is one of the largest buyers of liquor in the country). People don't care because they have no huge reason to complain, so nothing changes

Posted by: Jon on 2010-03-08, 15:29:04

Same here in Rhode Island

Posted by: Timid Women Rarely Make History on 2010-03-08, 15:31:16

Depends on state laws. Here in KY we can buy beer in grocery stores but have to go elsewhere for wine. Makes no sense to me either. I prefer one stop shop.

Posted by: tessa48 on 2010-03-08, 15:31:23

It maybe in a dry country or the store doesnt believe in selling it

Posted by: Jeroma on 2010-03-08, 15:34:19

Some states have strict laws on the matter. They are trying to fight it, but here is a link to explain it.

Posted by: Bill on 2010-03-08, 16:02:24

Massachusetts is the same. Up until about 3 or 4 years ago you couldn't but it on Sunday unless you were within 10 miles of a state that allowed sales on Sunday. It was such a stupid law, you could go to a bar and get drunk then make your way home but you couldn't buy alcohol and bring it home. We actually had it on the ballot to sell in grocery stores but it didn't pass. Grocery stores are some of the most strict as far as checking ID which makes it even more confusing to why it didn't pass.

Posted by: TheStraightEdgeSavior on 2010-03-08, 20:53:11

Cause Straight-Edge mean's we're better than you...fucker

Posted by: oikos on 2010-03-09, 13:53:53

Every so often we try to move out of the 19th century but the union is too strong. That's why so many terrible lawbreakers drive into neighboring states to shop. The selection in the state stores leave a lot to bwe desired. Luckily, it's just a short hop for me to get to NJ or DE.