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PLCB Considers Wine Kiosks for Grocery Stores

PLCB Considers Wine Kiosks for Grocery Stores - Friday, December 25, 2009 at 1:41PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Friday, Dec 25, 2009 @ 01:41pm EST

LUZERNE COUNTY -- If you want to top off your meals with some wine, you might not have to go to a state store anymore.

The liquor control board announced this week it hopes to add wine kiosks to some grocery stores early next year. People we caught up with outside a state store in Luzerne County say they're excited about the state's proposal.

"it's just easier if you're at the grocery store to be able to pick it up all at once instead of having to come here," said Whitney Wrobleski of Nuangola.

About 100 stores state-wide are expected to get the wine vending machines by the middle of next year. Three Wegmans locations in our region have been select to host the kiosks. State officials say they'd carry up to 500 bottles of as many as 50 wines in different price ranges. Some shoppers tell us they think the state will increase wine sales with this move.

"They're still going to make the money, just make it more convenient for us," added Wrobleski. "We go to the grocery store, we pick up the alcohol and throw it in our carts, and we're ready to go. It would be ten times easier."

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board says the kiosks would be open from 9am to 9pm daily. Customers tell us they're thrilled, as many liquor stores have shorter hours and are closed on Sundays.

"I think that would be awesome," said Wrobleski. "I mean, we're always looking for alcohol after hours, and we can never get it. "

"Some people, it'll be perfect for them," said Jerry Yukie, Sr. of Wilkes-Barre Township. "After work, they can't get to the store fast enough before it closes."

Here's how the kiosks work: Customers slide their driver's license to prove they're 21 years old. A camera tied into the LCB'S central office confirms the customer's face matches the ID used. Then, the customer has to breathe into a special pad that reads blood-alcohol content. The transaction would end for anyone with a BAC .05 or higher. Also, the name on the license must match the debit or credit card used. The machines will not accept cash. Customers tell us they believe the process is safe.

"Sure it does," added Yukie. "I think it's a good idea. "

The kiosk technology will be tested using a prototype at the state capitol. Then, kiosks will be piloted in a couple stores in the Harrisburg area before hitting our region by next summer.
 


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