Local

Prices increasing at Pa. liquor stores

PITTSBURGH — Your next trip to Pennsylvania’s Fine Wine & Good Spirits could cost you more.

A 4% price hike on many items went into effect Sunday. The increase affects more than 3,500 of the most popular wine and spirit items sold at state liquor stores.

In a statement, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board pointed to the 40-year, record-high inflation as the reason for price increase.

The PLCB says the price hike will allow it to generate revenues needed to offset annual 8 percent hike in operating costs over the last four years.

Plus projected cost increases in the current year related to personnel, distribution, leases and credit card fees among others.

The announcement drew immediate criticism from industry groups.

The Distilled Spirits Council said it was given with just 10 days notice and that’s not enough time for spirits producers to plan for and adjust to price increases.

The Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association says businesses with liquor licenses can’t shop around for better prices, arguing the Liquor Control Board has a monopoly.

The PLCB says the price increase does not apply to 397 items currently on sale this month.

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