Two Stores Two Miles Apart?

To the Editor:

An article in Lock Haven Express on Saturday, May 23rd stated that according to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), discussions are ongoing concerning the fate of the Main St. liquor store in downtown Lock Haven. And an editorial in the Lock Haven Express on April 30th stated, “We say keep the existing store downtown, and open a second in the Millbrook Plaza.”

Under the present circumstances, keeping a liquor store in Lock Haven, and opening a new store in Mill Hall would be acting without consideration of western Clinton County taxpayers. These stores would only be two miles apart in a county of nearly 900 square miles. I find it hard to believe the PLCB would seriously consider this idea, especially when western Clinton County residents have been waiting four years for the PLCB to find another store location in Renovo. I also find it hard to believe the PLCB is serious when their spokesperson says they are still “actively looking for an appropriate site in Renovo” (Lock Haven Express).

Since the PLCB can’t find a building to lease in or near Renovo, I suggest that the PLCB purchase a residence and remodel it like the County Commissioners recently did for the new district court in Renovo. If over regulation and bureaucracy stands in the way, perhaps privatization of liquor sales is the solution.

If the Commonwealth of PA wants to run the liquor business in this state, then it’s the Commonwealth’s responsibility to provide convenient locations for citizens to shop for liquor. It’s not just about how profitable a store may be. The PLCB is obligated to serve all citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth has failed the citizens of western Clinton County in this respect. The fact that Renovo residents must travel 56 miles round trip to visit a liquor store is a big inconvenience. For people in outlying areas the round trip distance approaches 75 miles. The lack of a liquor store in western Clinton County is another valid reason to argue for privatization of liquor sales in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania and Utah are the only states that exert complete control over liquor and wine.

Western Clinton County should be the priority for a second store. The taxpayers residing there have waited long enough for the PLCB to act.

John Wasserman

Renovo, PA 17764