State College Liquor Stores to Close Early on State Patty’s Day

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board will shorten the operating hours Saturday at its four State College-area liquor stores, the PLCB announced Friday afternoon.

In-store tasting events scheduled this weekend at those stores have been canceled, according to the announcement. All four stores, which normally close at 9 p.m. on Saturdays, will close at 6 p.m. Saturday instead.

In a news release, the PLCB said it’s trying to ‘discourage binge and problematic drinking’ during State Patty’s Day weekend.

‘For the past few years, this student-created event has been used as an opportunity to engage in irresponsible consumption of alcohol, especially by those who are underage,’ PLCB Chairman Patrick J. ‘P.J.’ Stapleton said in the news release. ‘Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in America by those under the age of 21, and we have great concern for the health and safety of those planning to participate in State Patty’s Day activities.’

The affected state alcohol stores are at 2051 S. Atherton St.; 230 W. Hamilton Ave; 1690 N. Atherton St.; and 323 Benner Pike.

‘We hope that in taking these actions and working in close partnership with university officials and police, we will limit the ability of those intending to engage in dangerous behavior to bring harm to themselves or others living in the State College area,’ Stapleton said in the release.

As many as eight downtown State College bars plan to halt alcohol service on Saturday, as well.

Related coverage

• State Patty’s Day, in Fifth Year, Sees Strong Reaction (Feb. 25, 2011)

• Dante’s Establishments to Close Bars for State Patty’s Day (Feb. 24, 2011)

• POLL: How Will You Spend State Patty’s Day? (Feb. 25, 2011)