It’s a bill that legislators say would welcome Pennsylvania into the 21st century.  The house approved a senate-amended plan that would allow grocery stores and other places to sell wine with the proper license.

Officials say selling wine in convenience and grocery stores will not only make it more convenient for the consumer, but will also generate millions of dollars initially to Pennsylvania’s economy.

 “It’s the most significant first step in 80 years of our liquor system,” Maj. House Leader Dave Reed, (R), says.

In a bi-partisan approved vote, house members say this bill is projected to bring in as much as $150 million initially, plus added revenue to help the budget yearly, “It will provide revenue from a budgetary perspective and provide the convenience that consumers have been looking for years across this commonwealth.”

According to legislators, customers could buy up to four bottles of wine  at a time from the store.  Locally, folks are saying that will make it easier on them.

“Mostly it’s more convenient,” says Johnstown resident Ronald Williams.  “All you have to do is drive there, pay for what you want, and go.”

“I just think it’s the people’s right to purchase whatever they want to purchase and if the store is willing to sell it and is licensed to sell it, they should be able to do it,” Johnstown resident Linda Morris adds.

Legislators say this bill would not affect the sale of liquor in Pennsylvania’s 600 state-owned stores.  They also say there will be flexible pricing to allow the state-stores to offer discounts.

“We view this as the first step to fully privatizing our liquor system in Pennsylvania.  We think it’s a huge first step,” Reed adds.

“I feel like it would help the grocery stores, as well as the economy,” Morris says.

Governor Wolf has indicated that he would sign the bill in its current form.

To see how your elected representatives voted, head here.