Philadelphia's Sunday Beer Buying: What's The Deal?

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the United States, which can be traced back to the Prohibition era. So, can you buy beer in Philadelphia on a Sunday? The answer is yes, but only within specific hours and from certain retailers. On Sundays, bars and restaurants can sell beer between 9 a.m. and 2 a.m. the following day. Beer distributors and breweries can sell beer from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a Sunday Sales Permit. Retailers with eating places or cafes are permitted to sell beer from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. the next day.

Where to buy beer in Philadelphia

The laws surrounding alcohol in Pennsylvania are notoriously complex and restrictive. This is due to the historical "dry" stance of Gifford Pinchot, who served as governor from 1923 to 1935. As a result, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board was created to license establishments, set serving hours, and regulate prices.

Beer can be purchased on Sundays in Pennsylvania, but different locations have different stipulations. Bars and restaurants can sell beer between 9 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Monday, while beer distributors and breweries can sell beer on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a Sunday Sales Permit. Retailers with eating places or cafes may sell beer on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday.

So, where can you buy beer in Philadelphia?

Licensed Beer Distributors

These are the main retail locations for buying beer in Pennsylvania. They can sell beer Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a Sunday Sales Permit. There is no limit to the amount of alcohol you can buy per transaction at these distributors. Some examples of beer distributors in Philadelphia include:

• The Preposition Store
• The Bottle Shop in South Philly
• The distributor at 2nd and Chestnut

Bars and Restaurants

In Pennsylvania, bars and restaurants can sell beer from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, they can sell beer between 9 a.m. and 2 a.m. Monday if they have a Sunday sales permit. Some examples of bars and restaurants selling beer in Philadelphia include:

• Locust Bar
• Rosy's Taco Bar
• Gourmet Cheesesteaks in Old City
• Bottle Bar East

Gas Stations

Gas stations in Pennsylvania can sell beer from Monday at 2 a.m. until midnight on Saturday. They need a specific license that allows up to two 6-packs per transaction. Some gas station options include:

• Sheetz
• Wawa (select locations)
• Royal Farms
• Rutter's
• Turkey Hill

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores in Pennsylvania can sell beer Monday through Saturday between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. with a Sunday Sales Permit. There is a maximum limit of 192 fluid ounces of beer sales. Some grocery store options in Philadelphia include:

• Acme
• Whole Foods
• Giant
• Mom's Organic Market
• Redner's
• Wegmans
• ShopRite
• Price Chopper/Market 32
• Trader Joe's

Breweries and Taprooms

Breweries and taprooms in Pennsylvania are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for on-premise consumption. A Sunday Sales Permit is required for off-premise beer sales on Sundays. Some Philadelphia options include:

• Yards Brewing Company
• Philadelphia Brewing Company
• Crime and Punishment Brewing Co.
• Second District Brewing
• Love City Brewing

Delivery Services

You can also get beer delivered in Philadelphia through services like GoPuff, Quick Sip Delivery, or local breweries that offer delivery.

Pennsylvania's liquor laws

Where to Buy Alcohol in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is an alcoholic beverage control state, meaning spirits can only be purchased from state-owned Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores. These stores also sell wine but not beer. Beer can be purchased from a distributor or in limited quantities at some supermarkets. Beverage distributors are permitted to sell beer in any amount, whereas supermarkets have quantity restrictions.

When to Buy Alcohol in Pennsylvania

On Mondays to Saturdays, licensed retail locations, including bars and restaurants, can sell beer between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. On Sundays, these establishments can sell beer between 9 a.m. and 2 a.m. Monday morning with a proper permit. Distributors and breweries can sell beer on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a Sunday Sales Permit. Retailers with eating places or cafes may sell beer on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday morning.

Age Restrictions

The minimum drinking age in Pennsylvania is 21 years old. Minors are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol, even if provided by their immediate family. Anyone selling alcohol in the state is required to check the ID of anyone they presume to be under the age of 35.

Open Container Laws

Open containers are illegal in Pennsylvania and apply to drivers or passengers in motor vehicles. There are exceptions for passengers in taxis, buses, or RVs.

Beer distributors

There is no limit to the amount of alcohol you can purchase per transaction at Pennsylvania beer distributors. However, beer distributors are only permitted to sell beer and malt liquor, not wine or hard liquor. People under 21 may enter most beer distributors without an adult because they also sell non-alcoholic products like water, soda, ice, and snacks.

Pennsylvania's liquor laws have been described as "frustrating and restrictive," with beer, wine, and liquor each being sold in different places. These laws can be traced back to the Prohibition era and Governor Gifford Pinchot, who was a teetotaler. Pinchot established the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to "discourage the purchase of alcoholic beverages by making it as inconvenient and expensive as possible."

While the state's liquor laws have loosened in recent years, making it easier to buy alcohol, they are still complex and can be confusing for visitors. For example, in grocery stores, beer is often sold in a separate section from the rest of the store, and there are quantity restrictions on how much beer can be purchased per transaction. Additionally, some convenience stores like 7-11 and Wawa do not sell beer, while others like Sheetz and Rutter's do.

If you're looking to buy beer in Philadelphia on a Sunday, your best bet is to head to a licensed beer distributor, which will have the fewest restrictions on the type and amount of beer you can buy.

Buying beer on Sundays

Buying beer on a Sunday in Philadelphia is possible, but it's not as straightforward as you might think. The state of Pennsylvania has some of the strictest alcohol regulations in the United States, which can make purchasing beer a tricky business. However, here is a guide to help you navigate the process.

Firstly, it's important to know that the sale of beer on Sundays is permitted, but each type of establishment has different rules. Bars and restaurants with the necessary licenses can sell beer on Sundays from 9 am to 2 am the following morning. Beer distributors and breweries are allowed to sell beer from 9 am to 9 pm on Sundays, but they need a Sunday Sales Permit. Retailers with eating places or cafes may sell beer from 11 am on Sundays to 2 am the next day. It's worth noting that specific locations with the required licenses may open later on Sundays but are not permitted to open earlier.

When it comes to the amount of beer you can purchase, there are varying restrictions depending on the type of establishment. Beer distributors have the fewest restrictions and can sell beer in various quantities, including kegs, cases, 12-packs, 6-packs, single bottles, and growlers. However, the beer purchased from distributors is for "off-premise consumption," meaning you can't drink it on-site. On the other hand, bottle shops, grocery and convenience stores, bars, and other licensed retailers can sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer (equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans) per transaction. If you want to buy more, you'll need to make separate transactions. Licensed breweries can sell beer for on-site consumption or to-go, and they can also sell products from other Pennsylvania-licensed producers for on-site consumption.

Additionally, there are a few other options for obtaining beer on Sundays. You can have it delivered to your home or business by partnering with delivery services like GoPuff, or you can opt for in-house delivery from breweries and restaurants. Curbside pickup is also an option. Some convenience stores, such as Sheetz and Wawa, sell beer at select locations. However, it's important to note that these stores may have their own unique restrictions and requirements.

In summary, while it is possible to buy beer on Sundays in Philadelphia, the regulations and requirements can vary depending on the type of establishment. It's always a good idea to check the licenses and operating hours of the specific location you plan to visit to ensure a smooth beer-buying experience.

Buying beer to drink in a hotel

Where to Buy Beer in Philadelphia:

• Beer Distributors: These are the main retail locations for purchasing beer in Pennsylvania. They can sell beer Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 11 pm and on Sundays from 9 am to 9 pm with a Sunday Sales Permit. There is no limit to the amount of beer you can buy per transaction at these distributors. They offer a wide range of options, including cases, 12- or 6-packs, singles, and kegs.
• Bars and Restaurants: Beer can be purchased at bars and restaurants from 7 am to 2 am, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, these establishments can sell beer between 9 am and 2 am Monday morning if they have a Sunday sales permit. However, beer purchased here is for on-premise consumption only, and they do not offer to-go sales.
• Grocery and Convenience Stores: Some grocery stores, such as ACME, Whole Foods, Mom's Organic, and Giant, sell beer. They usually have separate sections or checkouts for alcohol. Their hours vary, but they generally follow similar restrictions as bars and restaurants, selling beer Monday through Saturday and with a Sunday Sales Permit on Sundays. There may be quantity restrictions, such as a maximum of 192 fluid ounces (equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans) per transaction.
• Breweries and Taprooms: These establishments are open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to midnight and on Sundays from 9 am to 9 pm for on-premise consumption. A Sunday Sales Permit is required for off-premise beer sales on Sundays. They can sell beer on tap and for off-premise consumption, including 6- or 12-packs and packaged growlers.
• Gas Stations: Gas stations with specific licenses can sell beer from Monday at 2 am until midnight Saturday. They are typically limited to selling up to two 6-packs per transaction and offer similar options as convenience stores.
• Delivery Services: You can also opt for delivery services like GoPuff or Quick Sip Delivery, which can bring beer directly to your hotel room.

Important Things to Note:

• Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously strict and can vary by location, so it's always a good idea to check the specific rules for the county or municipality you're in.
• The minimum drinking age in Pennsylvania is 21, and anyone selling alcohol is required to check the ID of anyone who appears to be under the age of 35.
• Open containers of alcohol are illegal in Pennsylvania for drivers or passengers in motor vehicles, with penalties including fines and potential jail time.

Frequently asked questions