Plans to privatize the state-run liquor stores hit a major roadblock today, with a top state Senate Republican saying that the state first should “take the handcuffs off” the current system.

Talking to reporters this afternoon, Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati was critical of the current plan from House Majority Leader Mike Turzai to auction off licenses for the stores.

Mr. Scarnati, of Jefferson, questioned whether the state would be getting the most profit possible in that sale, given what he sees as constraints on the profitability of those stores.

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