Pennsylvania is making it a bit easier to buy booze in 2024. What to know about new laws
Pennsylvania is widely known for its strict laws on all things alcohol, but some restrictions are loosening up a bit this month.
Commonwealth lawmakers passed new measures this summer that will change how and where alcohol can be sold throughout Pennsylvania. These expansions will enter effect in mid-September, exactly two months after Gov. Josh Shapiro signed them into law.
Here’s what you need to know about the changes to alcohol sales in Pennsylvania.
How are alcohol sales changing in Pennsylvania?
Starting Monday, Sept. 16, Pennsylvania will allow of-age consumers to purchase ready-to-drink cocktails at restaurants, bars, grocery stores, convenience stores and more that have applied for a new permit and already sell beer and wine. The move will give Pennsylvanians a chance to buy liquor-based alcohol intended for off-premises consumption outside of state-run stores for the first time since Prohibition ended more than 90 years ago.
The law, contained within Act 86 of 2024, specifies these ready-to-drink cocktails are limited to those made with spirits, such as vodka and tequila, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) level not exceeding 12.5%. Container sizes are limited to no more than 16 ounces, and the sale of ready-to-drink cocktails must end by 11 p.m. daily, according to the new law.
Licensed restaurants or hotels can sell ready-to-drink cocktails intended for off-premises consumption up to 192 fluid ounces. That limit can’t be combined with wine, brewed or malt-based beverages, the law says.
Vendors that already sell alcohol are required to obtain an additional permit to sell these drinks, Pennsylvania law says. Permit applications opened in late August for $2,500 per establishment, plus a renewal fee down the line.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board estimates the commonwealth will raise $137 million in tax revenue over the next five years if all licensed establishments apply to sell ready-to-drink cocktails. That estimate, the board says, doesn’t account for additional funds that could come through permit application fees and renewal fees.
What about bars and restaurants?
Another expansion of Pennsylvania law will give bars and restaurants throughout the commonwealth more time to sell alcohol.
Starting Friday, Sept. 13, Pennsylvania will expand happy hours and allow bars and restaurants to offer combo deals on food and alcohol for up to 24 hours per week. Previously, they were able to offer such deals for up to just 14 hours per week.
This measure, contained within Act 57 of 2024, comes alongside other alcohol-related expansions in Pennsylvania law.
One notable change will allow Pennsylvania breweries and most distilleries to remain open until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Previously, such establishments were required to close by 11 p.m. or midnight, depending on the day of the week. These establishments can also pay the commonwealth $50 to stay open until 2 a.m. on one additional day each year, so long as they provide advance notice to police.
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