Pennsylvania Wine Kiosks Still Suck!

Image from wikipedia.org

The state wine bureaucrats' folly continues. Pennsylvania has state workers, including a "chairman," in charge of all alcohol sales in the state. Why? No one really knows, but it's an excellent money-making monopoly. About a year ago they had this great idea to offer wines in a kiosk.  Sort of like a candy machine, but with alcohol.   Why did they think this would be a good idea?  Did money exchange hands? Or maybe they're just not very bright.

All you do is prove your identity to a machine (with a real person overseeing the operation), blow into a breathalyzer to prove you're not already drunk, then put in your credit card. What could be easier? What could be more humiliating?  Why is this better than buying from a store clerk?

Wouldn't you want to buy
your wine from this thing?
Image from phoenixkiosk.com

Well, one of the main stores in the pilot program, Wegmans, has seen enough. They've had plenty of customer complaints. Go figure. The state says they'll continue " to ensure they provide the customer service our consumers expect."  Hard liquor in store kiosks may be next. Hopefully, followed by condoms and guns. Actually, the idea of one-stop-shopping for a bottle of whiskey, a box of rubbers, and a 9mm might prove to be popular.    Question for the bureaucrats:  Do I have to blow into a breathalyzer to buy condoms?   How about to buy a gun?