<P> Pennsylvania state lawmakers have attempted to privatize the sales of wine and spirits in the commonwealth . The state has had a monopoly over the sales of wine and spirits since the repeal of Prohibition . In the 2011 legislative session, the privatization of sales of wine and spirits was the focus of some controversy . This controversy is due to the budget deficit that the commonwealth faces . Supporters of the bill argue that sales taxes and license sales could generate nearly $1 billion worth of revenue for the state . </P> <P> In the 2012 session, House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, with the backing of Governor Tom Corbett, announced a plan to issue 1,600 new liquor store licenses and auction the 600 - plus liquor stores currently owned by the state . Stores would be allowed to sell beer in any configuration and without limit . Supporters say it could raise as much as $1.6 billion for the state . Opponents say that the proposed pricing would make it difficult for mom - and - pop stores to afford such licenses . Major opponents include the liquor store clerks union and the Pennsylvania Beer Alliance . </P> <P> The minimum drinking age in Pennsylvania is 21 years . Minors are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol, even if it is furnished by the minor's immediate family . Persons over the age of 18 are permitted to serve alcohol, so an exception is made in the possession portion of the law in this respect . Many states have exceptions for consuming alcohol made for religious or medicinal purposes, but Pennsylvania does not have exceptions for either . </P> <P> A person under the age of 21 may also be arrested, charged, and convicted of underage drinking through constructive possession, even if they had not consumed any alcohol, simply by being in the presence of alcohol . This is mainly exercised when officials break up large parties or other events where alcohol is being consumed and the issuance of chemical tests to every individual is deemed impractical . </P>

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