HARRISBURG - The ranking Republican in the state Senate is backing a plan to expand the sale of liquor and wine in Pennsylvania.

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati is cosponsoring a bill sponsored by Sen. Chuck McIlhinney that was unveiled Tuesday.

It would allow thousands of taverns, restaurants and other establishments licensed to sell glasses of wine or spirits to buy a special license to sell those products by the bottle. The bill would leave the 620 state stores open.

It also would allow beer distributors to obtain a license authorizing them to sell six-packs or single bottles of beer. They now may sell only cases and kegs.

The House began debating a bill to privatize beer and liquor sales Monday, but did not take it up on Tuesday.