Booze News

No Big Surprise Here: Former PLCB Chair Jonathan Newman Backs Privatization

Fine Wine & Good Spirits
Fine Wine & Good Spirits Photo: Phiadelphia Brownstoner

It’s doubtful that this comes as a surprise to anyone. Former PLCB Chairman Jonathan Newman, who resigned back in 2007 over a tiff with then Governor Ed Rendell, is totally on board with Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Mike Turzai’s plans to scrap Pennsylvania’s state-run liquor stores. He pledged support of Turzai’s and other privatization proponents efforts to get the state out of the booze business at the Wine School’s big pow-wow yesterday, the Metro reports. In his introduction, Turzai told those assembled at the media event that Newman was “the gold standard in terms of knowing how to bring quality products and services to the consumer while doing it in a responsible manner.” When the former PLCB boss took the podium, he called the task of getting Pennsylvania out of the liquor trade a “monumental challenge,” but one that needs to be addressed right now. He cautioned those gathered that if privatization efforts fail this time, he doesn’t think “it’s going to happen for at least another generation.” [Metro]
Earlier: The Wine School Hosts a ‘Historic Moment’ In the Battle to Abolish the PLCB
Related: Jonathan Newman Finds Having a Banana or Two Makes Tasting 70 Wines a Little Easier

No Big Surprise Here: Former PLCB Chair Jonathan Newman Backs Privatization