Free The Six Pack

Beginning Jan. 14, beer distributors in Pennsylvania will be able to sell beer in any quantity, including 32-ounce bottles, four-packs, six-packs and growlers.

"Growler" means a refillable container for malt or brewed beverages that can be resealed.

The intent of the new law is to create customer convenience.  It stipulates the following key elements:

1.  Allowing distributor licensees to sell malt or brewed beverages in any amount to a unlicensed customer for off-premises consumption.

2.  The sales do not be in the manufacturer’s original configuration and can be sold in refillable growlers that can be resealed.

3.  Allowing retail licensees to start selling on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. instead of 11:00 a.m. provided that they offer meals.

4.  Allowing a person licensed by another state to apply for a “malt or brewed beverage shipper license,” which allows the direct shipment of 192 fl. oz. of beer to be delivered to a customer per month; however, only 96 fl. oz. of a specific brand of beer may be shipped per year to an adult resident.

5.  Allowing beer and liquor to be sold (in shatterproof containers) before, during and after professional and amateur athletic events and consumed outside the club seating and restaurant area, as can be done at performing arts events or other entertainment events.

6.  Clarifies that a brewery does not need a brewery pub license to sell the products of other licensed breweries, limited wineries, limited distilleries and distilleries.

The new law also means that convenience stores can also sell beer.

Sources:
HB 1196
PA Governor Press Page

By Wendy Stewart