The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board continued its streak of record sales last fiscal year, bringing in $1.77 billion, but its rate of growth has slowed.

Sales for 2006-07 were $1.69 billion, or 7.2 percent higher than in 2005-06, which had been the fourth consecutive year of 7 percent growth or better.

In this past fiscal year that ended June 30, 2008, PLCB's sales growth was just under 5 percent.

"At a time when the economy appears to be slowing overall and some major companies have reported declines in sales, the Liquor Control Board's annual sales growth represents a truly remarkable achievement," said Board Chairman Patrick Stapleton in a statement.

Without the PLCB contribution, he added, "the commonwealth would have had to turn to other revenue sources to pay for essential services, such as public safety, education, transportation and health care."

Board officials say they will be sending more than $428 million to the state treasury generated via sales tax, the 18 percent liquor tax and profits, compared with $487 million a year ago.

Spokesman Nick Hays said yesterday that the contribution was lower this year because the Legislature received $70 million less from state store profits.

"The difference is a result of a policy decision by the Legislature, not a reflection of PLCB's performance," he said.