Not sure how many other states have this, but we don't have "liquor stores" in Pennsylvania, we have "state stores". Liquor is sold by the state, stores are run by state employees. In fact, 30 colleges and universities are directly supported by sales of liquor, that is, their funding does not come from the general coffers but is directly tied in. The initial reason for this was to keep the Mafia out. Obviously it became a way for the state to hire more employees and make tons of money too.
Most of us here on the banks of the Delaware tend to "illegally" cross over to Jersey to get out spirits. There is competition there and so much lower prices, so we "sneak it in over the border" routinely. Natch, we too can't "ship" in wine.
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