Pennsylvania is famous for its highly restrictive alcohol policies. Most of the time, there's a lot of sound health-and-safety rationale behind them. But sometimes, the policies just don't make a lot of sense in today's modern world.

The closed signs that hang on wine and spirits stores in this state each Sunday are examples of a restriction that's seen its day. Liquor stores are some of the few establishments that continue to maintain a long-outdated tradition of remaining closed for half of the weekend.

Legislation before before the General Assembly could change this situation.

These days, many people who work during the week do a good deal of their shopping on Sunday as well as Saturday.

For people who live near the borders of the state, the Sunday-closing sometimes encourages people to buy out-of-state (illegally). This might continue to occur even if stores were open seven days a week, but it might cut down on the problem.

We don't believe that adding an extra day to the open slate at state stores will greatly increase problem drinking, but it may bring more revenue to the state.

It will also bring Pennsylvania a little closer to its peers in terms of the options it offers consumers.