Multiple media reports over the weekend say the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has considered raising prices on booze for the first time in over 20 years.
According to a CBS Philly report posted to Twitter, a memo penned by the LCB’s finance director discusses raising the markup on bottles of wine and liquor from 30 to 35 percent.
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The internal memo says finance director August Heheman is recommending the hike due to a projected shortfall for the in process fiscal year as compared to the year prior of about $25 million dollars, according to Vindy.com.
The markup, according to the reports, totals a 5 percent hike.
The suggested hike is to counter pension and health costs and an upgrade of agency computers, The Vindicator report says.
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LCB Chairman Steve Biron told CBS Philly that the discussion was part of an annual assessment of expected sales and profits.
“The board has not put it on the agenda to discuss in a public meeting The board has not voted on it. And obviously, something can come up that would change somebody’s mind. At this point in time, I can tell you I’m not in favor of it,” Biron told Philadelphia media outlet.
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Officials say hiking the price on booze is a “last resort.”
