Yes, Virginia: Convenience matters.

In case anyone seriously doubted that revisions to Pennsylvania’s antiquated system of alcohol sales would result in positive results, numbers from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board should put an end to any misgivings.

Since last summer, when the state stepped into the modern era and began allowing wine and beer sales at some retailers, more than 550 businesses — including about 330 grocery stores or convenience stores — have been approved for permits allowing them to sell wine or six-packs of beer.

That’s predictably resulted in a slight downturn in wine sales at state-owned liquor outlets. Wine sales at state stores amounted to $848.9 million for 2016-17, a drop of about $2.5 million, or 0.3 percent.

But that drop was offset by a 5 percent increase in sales at bars, restaurants and clubs. Overall, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board reported, wine sales for the last fiscal year reached $1.042 billion. Add to that another $24.3 million in wine sales at the state’s 1,700 wineries, and it’s clear that the changes resonated with customers.

Why? For one thing, the novelty factor: people are still reveling in the ability to walk into their local grocery store and pick up a bottle, six-pack, or even a draft beer.

There’s also convenience and the fact that shoppers can now find varieties of wine and beer that they might otherwise have had to go out of their way to purchase. Shoppers have discovered that these retailers are often selling local brands that might not have made it onto the shelves at state stores.

One year into Pennsylvania’s alcohol sales reforms, it seems like the changes have resulted in positive, consumer-friendly effects. And there is, hopefully, more to come.

House Bill 438, a piece of legislation that was approved by the House in April and is now before a state Senate committee, would allow Pennsylvanians to buy up to four unopened bottles of liquor at the same restaurants, hotels and grocery stores that are now allowed to sell beer and wine.

Then there’s House Bill 991, which would establish privately-owned stores that could sell both wine and liquor. That bill also received House approval in April and is before a Senate committee.

The fate of these pieces of legislation remains unclear. But the public clearly wants something Pennsylvania still doesn’t offer: a one-stop-shop where customers can buy beer, wine and liquor without running to and from different stores.

Progress is important (that’s why we are celebrating these signs), but it can result in complacency. Legislators and state officials can’t let themselves be lulled into inaction by the progress seen in 2017.