HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania's 621 state-run liquor stores are getting a new look and better customer service.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is spending about $3 million over two years on an outside consultant to help revamp the liquor stores beginning next year.

Merchandise will be reorganized to make it easier to find, employees will be trained in the art of wine selection, and a new name and logo are in the works.

The agency also will encourage customers to sample new wines and spirits to help determine which ones pair well with certain foods.

"This all started because we asked our customers what they liked and what they didn't like," board chairman Patrick J. Stapleton III said.

The agency expects to start making changes in some stores in the first half of next year, Stapleton said.

By Associated Press