Wine kiosks to be added at 100 Pa. supermarkets

[Bunny]

http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_357091406.html

<snip>
More than 100 Pennsylvania grocery stores are expected to be getting vending machines that sell wine.

Board spokesman Nicholas Hays says the kiosks can carry up to 500 bottles of as many as 50 wines.

Patrons would slide a driver’s license into the machine to prove they are 21 or older.

A camera would also ensure that the person and the license match. The buyer would also have to breath into a device that would measure blood-alcohol level.
<snip>

God, could someone tell Pennsylvania that Prohibition ended 76 years ago? :eyes: They take one positive step into the 21st century by offering wine at supermarkets, but will subject you to a DL swipe, a camera to check your face, AND a breathalyzer??? Are they serious? Only a ridiculous, entrenched bureaucracy could come up with something this unbelievably stupid. I'm embarrassed for my state.

[T Wolf]

1. We are held hostage by the largest buyer of wine in the US, and the worse system in the US.

But this is a state that STILL collects a tax to rebuild Johnstown after its flood of 1889!!!!!!

[PADEMJES12]

2. I strongly an opposed to having wine and beer sold in

grocery or convenience stores. It will be a potential liability, as well as impact the existing small business
distributors that exist throughout the state. There is no reason to make Sheetz and large convenience stores
a "Wal-Mart" in this sense.

[jonmiller74]

3. I'm curious, potential liability how? and for who?

I think it would be better if the products could be purchased from another person instead of a vending machine, for reason mentioned in the OP. But Pennsylvania's wine distribution system is so screwed up, anything that leads to increased choice and availability would be an improvement.

[RamboLiberal]

8. Market District (Giant Eagle) store near where I work sells Beer

now & drinks like Hard Cider, Lemonade, etc. Harder to buy from them than the State Store, beer distributor or bar. No matter your age you have to provide your driver's license to scan. Being 57 I haven't had to do that in years anywhere else to buy liquor.

I think the wine kiosks are stupid - just for all the steps you have to go through to get the wine including blowing in to some kind of device. That I have to see how they keep that sanitary.

Otherwise with proper precautions I'm all for allowing supermarkets & stores like Sheetz sell beer, wine & other liquors just like in neighboring states like Ohio & WV on my side of PA. Only thing stupid I think about WV laws is not being able to buy at Wal-Mart on Sunday. Guess that was their bow to the Christians.

[Freddie Stubbs]

4. A coalition of liberal and conservatives are resisting any changes in PA liquor laws

Conservatives believe that booze is band, and it is the job of the government to protect people from this evil. Liberals want to protect the union jobs of state liquor store employees.

[PADEMJES12]

5. yes anyone concerned about jobs and

protecting employees of small businesses etc will be concerned, that includes me.
In terms of the wine example... i guess my comment referencing "potential liability"...
to clarify was more prefaced towards selling beer in convenience stores and grocery stores
such as Sheetz or Food Lion... having a young employee being called upon to card people in
a busy convenience store.

I dont think thats a scenario im willing to endorse. Besides, since there's sunday
sales, whats the big deal? I like the current system in Pennsylvania.

[blue neen]

6. We are not even close to a state store that is open on Sunday where we live.

I think it would be great to have the option of purchasing wine at the grocery store.

[PADEMJES12]

7. Blue neen...

you would be tempted to crack open that road soda on the way home....

....just teasing :)

[blue neen]

10. Nah. Drinking and driving is not something I approve of.

I'd probably be more tempted to hit somebody over the head with it! :)

[livetohike]

9. Other states have no problem with this

The big deal is this antiquated system is inconvenient to everyone and ridiculous to have to make several stops to pick up beer, wine and hard liquor. Our alcohol is more expensive than the surrounding states, too. Why is that?

[MrMickeysMom]

11. It's enough to make you want to start another thread...

... Commonwealth = behind the times.

I'm sure someone here can help describe the advantages of getting rid of Blue Laws and moving into Statehood.

But, the over-bloated numbers in our General Assembly would be involved. Sort of like campaign finance reform, isn't it?