Pennsylvania's byzantine regulations can make for a pretty hostile business environment. But these are things people normally reserve for discussion at the local chamber of commerce. Most people simply go on with their lives--although they might occasionally wonder what happened to all the jobs.
In my experience, the one exception to this willful ignorance is a sincere sense of flabbergasted awe regarding the state's bizarre liquor laws. New residents and tourists that I encounter always have the same questions: What's a "distributor?" Why can't I buy beer at the grocery store? And the ever popular, "State store?"
I therefore propose an index: Perhaps we should rank states by how easy it is to buy a beer.
Or sell one. This story in the Tribune-Review indicates that it ain't as simple as it might be.
Just what, exactly, do these laws accomplish? Does PA have fewer drunks than other states? Less drunk driving? My observations argue otherwise.
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