Booze News

One Million Dollars and a Whole Lot of Stupid Later, LCB Finally Pulls the Plug on Its Wine Kiosk Program

Game Over!
Game Over! Photo: PLCB

The LCB has finally decided to declare “Game Over” on its ill-fated experiment with automated wine dispensing devices. The program, which was widely regarded as the “worst idea ever” when it was launched last year, has experienced quite a bumpy ride. But is the LCB pulling the plug because the controversial kiosks have ultimately failed to make buying wine more convenient? Hardly. Is it because supermarket chains keep dumping them? Negatory. Because wine drinkers are reluctant to blow into a breathalyzer to buy a bottle? Nope. The state’s booze bureau says its ending the run because of money that its owed from the kiosks Conshohocken-based contractor, Simple Brands. This misadventure in stupidity has cost taxpayers in Pennsylvania upwards of $1 million. Can you hear that? It’s the LCB desperately gasping for its last breaths of air. [Inquirer]
Earlier: The LCB Is Totally Digging Its Own Grave With Those Wine Kiosks

One Million Dollars and a Whole Lot of Stupid Later, LCB Finally Pulls the Plug