The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board announced yesterday that sales of wine and spirits at state stores in 2003 increased 7.7 percent over 2002. The increase is assumed to be caused in large part by changes in how Pennsylvania sells alcohol to its residents: new Sunday hours in select stores, outlet stores nears state borders, trials of liquor sections in supermarkets, etc.
The ongoing economic downturn, heightened awareness of terrorism and war, and general malaise do not seem to have considered as contributing factors.