Buying Beer In Pennsylvania: What You Need To Know

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously confusing, restrictive, and frustrating. The state's complicated relationship with alcohol can be traced back to the Prohibition era and Governor Gifford Pinchot, who was a teetotaler. Pinchot established the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board in 1933 to discourage the purchase of alcoholic beverages by making it as inconvenient and expensive as possible. So, how do you buy beer in Pennsylvania? Well, it depends on where you are and how much you want to buy. Beer distributors, bottle shops, bars, grocery stores, and breweries can all sell beer, but the amount they can sell varies according to their license type. Distributors have the fewest restrictions and can sell kegs, cases, 12-packs, 6-packs, single bottles, and growlers for off-premise consumption. Other places, like bars and grocery stores, can sell up to 192 fluid ounces (12 16-ounce cans) per transaction, but you'll need to make multiple transactions if you want to buy more. Licensed breweries can sell beer for on-site consumption or to-go, and you can also have beer delivered to your home or business from local breweries or delivery services.

Beer distributors vs. bottle shops

Pennsylvania's liquor laws have been some of the most restrictive in the United States since the end of Prohibition in 1933. The state's complex alcohol laws can be traced back to the Prohibition era and Governor Gifford Pinchot, a teetotaler who maintained a tough stance on alcohol control even after Prohibition was repealed.

Today, there are several options for purchasing beer in Pennsylvania, including beer distributors, bottle shops, bars, grocery stores, and breweries. Beer distributors and bottle shops differ in the amount of beer they can sell to customers. Distributors have the fewest restrictions and can sell kegs, cases, 12-packs, 6-packs, single bottles, and growlers for "off-premise consumption." On the other hand, bottle shops, grocery stores, and convenience stores are limited to selling up to 192 fluid ounces of beer (equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans) per transaction. This means that if a customer wants to buy more than 192 fluid ounces of beer, they will have to make multiple transactions.

Beer distributors are licensed by both federal and state governments and play a crucial role in getting beer from brewers or importers to retailers, bars, and restaurants. They help new brands enter the market and ensure a diverse selection of beer for consumers. Distributors are typically the middle tier of the three-tier system, with the brewery as the first tier and retailers, bars, and restaurants as the final tier. Distributors can offer lower costs for shipping products due to their larger trucks and more extensive distribution networks.

Bottle shops, on the other hand, often offer a more curated selection of beer, wine, and spirits. They may have a smaller range than distributors but can provide a unique and personalized experience for customers. Bottle shops may focus on local craft beers, imported beers, or specific types of beer, such as natural wine or craft lagers.

In summary, beer distributors in Pennsylvania have fewer restrictions on the amount of beer they can sell, while bottle shops are limited to 192 fluid ounces per transaction. Distributors are licensed and play a vital role in the three-tier system, getting beer from breweries to retailers. Bottle shops offer a more personalized experience and often support local breweries or unique beer varieties.

Buying beer online

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously complex, and the state has some of the strictest alcohol regulations in the US. These laws can be traced back to the Prohibition era and the state's former governor, Gifford Pinchot, who was a teetotaler. Pinchot established the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to license establishments, set serving hours, and regulate prices.

When it comes to buying beer online in Pennsylvania, there are a few options:

Buying from Breweries

Licensed breweries in Pennsylvania can sell you beer to drink on-site or to go. They can also ship beer to your home or business within the state. Many breweries offer local delivery, but someone 21 or older must be present to accept the delivery.

Third-Party Delivery Services

Third-party delivery services like GoPuff and Quick Sip Delivery also offer beer delivery in Pennsylvania. These services can be convenient if you want to have beer delivered directly to your door.

Out-of-State Shipping Services

Out-of-state beer shipping services, such as Tavour, can ship up to 192 fluid ounces (approximately 12 16-ounce cans) of beer per month to Pennsylvania addresses. This option is ideal if you're looking for a wider selection of craft beers from outside the state.

Supermarkets and Convenience Stores

Many supermarkets and convenience store chains in Pennsylvania, such as Acme, Giant Eagle, and Wawa, sell beer in limited quantities. These stores typically have quantity restrictions and may require a separate transaction for each purchase. However, they offer a convenient option for picking up beer along with your groceries or during a quick stop.

Fine Wine & Good Spirits Stores

While Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, which are state-owned, do not sell beer, they offer an extensive selection of wine and spirits. They also provide shipping services within Pennsylvania, allowing you to order online and have your beer delivered to your address. Again, someone 21 or older must be present to accept the delivery.

It's important to note that Pennsylvania's alcohol laws can be intricate, and they may vary depending on the county and municipality. Always check the latest regulations and license information before purchasing or consuming alcohol in Pennsylvania.

Buying beer in supermarkets

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously complicated and restrictive, largely due to the state's stance on alcohol since the Prohibition era.

Beer can be purchased in limited quantities at many supermarkets. Supermarkets have quantity restrictions, whereas beverage distributors are permitted to sell beer in any amount.

Supermarkets like Giant, Weis, and Wegmans have a 'beer cafe' or a designated checkout counter in the alcohol section where you must pay for your beer. Some supermarkets, like Wegmans, have dedicated checkout lanes for alcohol, and you can also pay at a cash register in the alcohol section.

At Giant, you can buy alcohol at any point during your shopping, but you need to buy it at the special register in the alcohol section. You must have your ID ready, as they will scan it before ringing up the sale.

At Weis, there is a limit of two six-packs of beer per transaction. You can buy more, but you will have to leave the store and put the beer in your car before buying another two six-packs.

At Wegmans, there are dedicated checkout lanes for alcohol, and you can also sometimes purchase it at a cash register in the alcohol section.

The law restricts supermarkets to selling no more than 192 fluid ounces of beer (approximately 12 16-ounce cans or two six-packs and two bottles of wine) per transaction. If you want to buy more, you will have to make another transaction, leave the store, and put your purchase in your car before re-entering.

Buying Wine in Supermarkets

Wine can also be purchased in limited quantities at supermarkets. The law restricts supermarkets to selling no more than three liters of wine (equivalent to four 750-milliliter bottles or one box of wine) per transaction.

Buying Liquor in Supermarkets

Liquor cannot be purchased at supermarkets. It can only be purchased at state-owned Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores or directly from Pennsylvania distilleries.

Buying beer in bars

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest alcohol regulations in the United States. These can be traced back to the Prohibition era and the state's liquor laws have only recently been loosened.

Licensed bars can sell beer from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, bars can sell beer between 9 a.m. and 2 a.m. Monday morning if they have a Sunday sales permit. Bars are not permitted to sell beer to-go, and all alcohol must be removed from tables and bars by 2:30.

Bars that are connected to restaurants often close at midnight. No drink sales are allowed after 2 a.m., but the establishment may stay open later than 2:30 a.m. if it has an extended hours food permit.

Pennsylvania's drinking laws have evolved in recent years to make things safer for its residents. For example, open containers are illegal in Pennsylvania and apply to drivers or passengers in motor vehicles.

Pennsylvania has a zero-tolerance law for underage drinking and driving. Those under 21 who are convicted of driving under the influence face severe penalties, including a 12- to 18-month license suspension, 48 hours to six months in jail, and a $500 to $5,000 fine.

Buying beer in breweries

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously complicated, and this is true when it comes to buying beer in breweries, too.

Firstly, you need to be over 21 to buy beer in Pennsylvania.

Licensed breweries can sell you beer to drink on-site or to take away. They can also sell you products from other Pennsylvania-licensed producers to drink on-site.

The amount of beer breweries can sell you depends on the type of license they have. They may be able to sell you up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per purchase (the equivalent of 12 16-ounce cans). If you want to buy more, you'll have to make another transaction.

You can also get beer delivered from breweries to your home or business. Many breweries offer local delivery or can ship to addresses in the state. However, someone over 21 will need to be there to accept the delivery.

Frequently asked questions