PLCB Temporarily Shuts Down Pronto Kiosks

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) temporarily closed the Pronto Wine Kiosks in grocery stores across the state on Dec. 21 at 9 p.m. to resolve certain mechanical and technological issues.

"While customer satisfaction with the six-month old kiosk program remains high, recent problems -- such as product not dispensing -- require us to take immediate action while we wait for the manufacturer to correct all of the identified issues," explained PCLB chairman Patrick J. “PJ” Stapleton. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers and supermarket partners, but felt this temporary closure was critical to the future success of the program.”

The kiosks are currently in 30 Pennsylvania supermarkets, including some Giant Food, Wegmans Food Market, Giant Eagle, The Fresh Grocer and Shop 'n Save locations.

Simple Brands, the Conshohocken, Pa.-based developer of the kiosks, will work on each machine to correct any problems. Once all of the units have been repaired and tested, the PLCB, together with its supermarket partners and Simple Brands, will reopen the kiosks early next year, according to Stapleton.

Stapleton added that shoppers interested in purchasing some holiday cheer can locate the Wine & Spirits store closest to them by visiting www.lcb.state.pa.us, clicking the link “For Consumers” and then going to “Find Store.” All stores will close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.