HARRISBURG, PA — State Sen. Anthony H. Williams on June 6 released a letter to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) expressing his “adamant opposition” to the issuance of licenses to sell alcohol at gas stations and convenience stores in the state.

He wrote, “Recently, the Liquor Control Board approved nine licenses for six-pack sales at gas stations in the northeast and western parts of the state. While the constituents of those regions may have expressed a desire for those licenses, my own constituents do not support the expansion of venues for alcohol sales.

“The neighborhoods in my district (Philadelphia) already suffer from a scourge of so-called “Stop and Go” convenience stores, where liquor is sold by the shot alongside candy and hoagies. These licensees take advantage of lax enforcement efforts by the Pennsylvania State Police’s Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement while exploiting loopholes in the seating and food service requirements. Each day, children and teenagers who enter these establishments on routine errands are exposed to drunken patrons who congregate both inside and outside of the nuisance bars. Additionally, Stop and Go’s are magnets for drug dealing and other criminal activity which negatively affects communities.”