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Joe Conti made the rounds in Harrisburg last week. And this week, the CEO of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board will go a few rounds with the media as he pushes back against privatization of the commonwealth's liquor monopoly and pushes for legislation claiming to bolster state coffers.

Mr. Conti is advocating for Senate Bill 1287, sponsored by Allegheny County Democrat Jim Ferlo and now sitting in the Senate Law and Justice Committee.

The measure would, among other things, give the LCB greater product markup authority, add new administrative fees, increase fines and allow lottery tickets to be sold in liquor stores. About $70 million in new annual state revenues are projected.

Conti says the bill would allow the LCB to operate like a modern, wholesale and retail business and deliver a greater return for all Pennsylvania taxpayers.

Wow, welcome to the 20th century. And do remember that this is the same LCB beast that lost its shirt on those hilarious wine-vending machines.

Now, Mr. Ferlo insists that the push for privatization is driven by media seeking advertising dollars. Actually, it's driven by the very fundamental precept that government should not be in the liquor business (or any business other than administrating bona fide public services).

It's long past time to stop these LCB charades. Let's get on with privatization. Let's join the 21st century.

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Liquor control: Kill the beast