Home >  Local News

Sunday, February 09, 2003

By Lori Shontz, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

Today marks the start of a two-year experiment unprecedented in recent Pennsylvania history: For the first time since before Prohibition, liquor and wine can be purchased on Sundays.

It's a new experience not only for consumers, but for employees at 61 stores statewide who will be working Sunday for the first time. The stores are open from noon to 5, and clerks who work will be paid time-and-a-half. Managers will get straight time.

Despite the extra money, however, and the fact that stores are trying to fill the Sunday work hours with volunteers, the union representing local liquor store employees opposes the change.

"I hate it because I don't think people should have to work on Sundays," said Ron Kean, president of United Food and Commercials Workers Union Local 23, which represents about 750 people in Western Pennsylvania. "I think people should be able to be off with their families."

But UFCW Local 1776, which represents nearly 2,000 store employees in the Philadelphia area, supports the change.

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officials say response from the public has been positive.

"Sunday openings provide consumers with the convenience of being able to pick up a bottle of wine for Sunday dinner," Chairman Jonathan H. Newman said. "I believe it will be a real plus for consumers and the commonwealth."

The legislation, Act 212 of 2002, allows the PLCB to open up to 10 percent of its 638 Wine and Spirits Shoppes. It also permits wine tastings in the shops and allows the PLCB to sell corkscrews and wine sleeves.

After two years, the effects of Sunday sales will be evaluated to determine whether they should continue. Stores can't be open if Easter or Christmas fall on a Sunday.

Among the 61 stores to be opened statewide are eight in Allegheny County: Waterworks Mall, 974 Freeport Road; Robinson Town Centre; 5430 Centre Ave., Shadyside; 2015 Wharton St., South Side; 8050 McKnight Road, Ross; The Perry Shops, 7920 Perry Highway, Ross; Monroeville Mall; and Village Square Mall, Bethel Park.

Stores were chosen based on their level of business, proximity to borders and other geographic criteria.

Geography is important in Western Pennsylvania. Sunday sales gives the state a competitive edge over nearby West Virginia and Ohio.

In West Virginia, sales of distilled spirits are not allowed on Sundays. After 1 p.m., however, retailers may sell wine, fortified wine and beer, a policy that has been in place for years, said a spokesman at West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control.

In Ohio, the purchase of liquor from stores on Sundays is not permitted, but the purchase of beer, wine and low-proof products (those with less than 21 percent alcohol) is.

Others opposing the change include religious groups and groups fighting against drunken driving. They say more opportunities to buy alcohol could lead to more fatal automobile accidents. Members of some of the groups plan to picket stores across the state in an effort to discontinue Sunday sales.