Pennsylvania is an alcoholic beverage control state whereby the state government has direct control and command over the sale of liquor products. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) is the single body with the legal mandate of selling and distributing liquor within the commonwealth's borders. The board currently has over 600 liquor stores in the state that stock alcoholic beverages such as beer, hard liquor, wines, and spirits.

It is critically significant that Pennsylvania retains its direct control of state-owned liquor stores despite the rampant partisan lobbying for the privatization of the state's liquor industry. Direct control of the sale of liquor safeguards the intents of the 21st Amendment—state control over alcoholic beverage consumption.

Any move to privatizing the liquor industry is grossly retrogressive for Pennsylvania, as it could most probably lead to the proliferation of alcohol stores in every corner of the state. It is estimated that privatization could increase from 600 to 2,383 stores. Such a move would expose huge populations to uncontrolled purchases and consumption of liquor. This could ultimately lead to social disorder in society.

The PLCB plays a critical role in regulating access to alcoholic beverages. The board helps limit access to alcoholic drinks to persons under 21. This is ensured through adequate and standardized training of its employees to minimize cases of selling liquor to underaged persons. 

Additionally, controlling consumption reduces fatalities caused by drunk driving. Given the congestion in big cities such as Philadelphia, allowing a sudden increase in alcohol stores in the state could lead to more drunkenness and, thereby, more road fatalities.

State ownership of liquor stores is critical for Pennsylvania because it generates huge revenues. Revenue is collected directly from the PLCB without using a third party for revenue collection. The revenue is essential for Pennsylvanians as it goes to vital social services like education, health care, and infrastructure. Privatization could lead to massive revenue loss for the state to unscrupulous traders and bootleggers who could illegally evade paying taxes and license fees.

The PLCB also creates employment opportunities for Pennsylvania. Over 4,000 people currently work in the state-owned stores, and thus their livelihood is greatly enhanced. They contribute to state economic growth through the payment of income tax. 

Any bid to privatize the sale of liquor in the state could cause massive job losses, and the private sector may not offer competitive wages compared to the state-owned stores.

The PLCB also protects consumers from unfair price hiking that could otherwise be experienced during the privatization of the industry. For instance, consumers of alcoholic beverages in Washington state are remorseful of their switch from state-owned to privatized liquor stores due to an unanticipated price increase.

In conclusion, it is in the best interest of the citizens that the Pennsylvania state should own all liquor stores. This way, the state will avoid the proliferation of alcohol stores, and public safety and societal order will be maintained.