Pennsylvania's Early Beer Buying: Legal Hours And Availability

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are considered some of the most restrictive in the United States. The state's complex alcohol laws can be traced back to the Prohibition era and the influence of Gifford Pinchot, who served as governor from 1923 to 1935. Pinchot was a committed non-drinker and opposed the repeal of Prohibition. As a result, Pennsylvania's alcohol laws are oriented toward temperance and aim to discourage drinking by making it as inconvenient and expensive as possible. So, what time can you buy beer in Pennsylvania, and how do these laws affect beverage sales in the state?

Where to buy beer in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously confusing, so it's not always easy to know where to buy beer. Here's a guide to help you navigate the state's unusual alcohol regulations.

Malt beverages like beer are probably the easiest alcoholic drinks to get in Pennsylvania, as they're available from a variety of places. These include beer distributors, bottle shops, bars, grocery stores, and breweries. However, the amount of beer these places can sell depends on the type of license they have.

Beer Distributors

Beer distributors typically have the fewest restrictions. They can sell kegs, cases, 12-packs, six-packs, single bottles, and growlers. However, these purchases are for "off-premise consumption," meaning you can't drink your beer at the store.

Bottle Shops, Grocery and Convenience Stores, Bars, and Other Licensed Places

These places can obtain a license to sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per transaction, which is equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans. You can buy more, but you'll need to make separate transactions. Beer purchased from these places can be consumed on-site or taken to go.

Breweries

Licensed breweries can sell you beer to drink on-site or take away. They can also sell products from other Pennsylvania-licensed producers for on-site consumption, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.

Delivery and Shipping

You can have beer delivered to your home or business by local breweries or services like GoPuff and Quick Sip Delivery. Out-of-state beer shipping services, such as Tavour, can send up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per month to Pennsylvania addresses.

A Brief History of Pennsylvania's Liquor Laws

Pennsylvania's complex and restrictive alcohol laws can be traced back to the Prohibition era and the state's former governor, Gifford Pinchot, who was a vocal opponent of alcohol. Even after Prohibition was repealed, Pinchot wanted to make purchasing alcohol as "inconvenient and expensive as possible." As a result, Pennsylvania established the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and a state liquor store system, which still exists today.

While Pennsylvania's liquor laws have recently been relaxed to some extent, they remain strict compared to other states.

Beer distributors' restrictions

Pennsylvania's alcohol laws are considered some of the strictest in the United States, with a complex history that can be traced back to the Prohibition era. The state's liquor laws are enforced by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, which licenses establishments, sets serving hours, and regulates prices.

• Distributor License: The distributor license is intended for establishments selling larger quantities of beer, typically cases and kegs, for off-premises consumption only. Distributors can sell beer in any package configuration, including cases, 12-packs, 6-packs, and single bottles. They can also sell refillable and resealable growlers, as well as kegs containing 128 ounces or more.
• Operating Hours: Beer distributors typically operate during similar hours as Wine and Spirits stores and other retail establishments. While state law permits late-night operations, local authorities may impose additional restrictions, and stores usually close before 10 pm. On Sundays, a special license is required to sell beer, and sales before 9 am are prohibited.
• Age Restrictions: Individuals under 21 years of age may enter most beer distributor stores without an adult because these stores often sell non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. However, the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited for minors.
• Importing Distributor License: This license is similar to the distributor license but serves as a wholesaler. Importing distributors sell beer to other distributors and retail licensees for resale. They acquire geographic rights to sell specific brewery brands within Pennsylvania through territorial agreements.
• Sales Restrictions: Distributors with a basic license can sell beer to unlicensed customers from 8 am to 11 pm on any day except Sunday. To sell beer on Sundays, distributors must obtain a Sunday Sales Permit, which allows sales between 9 am and 9 pm.
• On-Premises Consumption: Beer distributors are not permitted to sell beer for on-premises consumption. All beer purchases are for off-premises consumption only.

Beer at restaurants, bars, and retailers

Beer is widely available for purchase in Pennsylvania, and you have several options for buying it. Here's what you need to know about buying beer at restaurants, bars, and licensed retailers:

• On-Premises Consumption: Restaurants, bars, and licensed retailers can sell beer for on-site consumption. This means you can enjoy a cold one while dining out or hanging out at your favourite local spot.
• Off-Premises Consumption: These establishments are also allowed to sell beer for off-site consumption, which means you can buy it and take it home or elsewhere to drink.
• License Requirements: To sell beer, these establishments must have the appropriate license. There are different types of licenses available, including retail liquor licenses and retail dispenser licenses. The type of license determines the type and quantity of beer they can sell.
• Quantity Restrictions: Restaurants, bars, and licensed retailers are restricted in the quantity of beer they can sell per transaction. They are permitted to sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer, which is typically in the form of six-packs, twelve-packs, or individual bottles.
• Hours of Sale: The hours during which beer can be sold vary. On Mondays through Saturdays, sales are typically allowed from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. On Sundays, a special license is required to sell beer, and sales are generally not permitted before 9:00 a.m. However, the specific hours may vary depending on the establishment and local regulations.
• Supermarkets and Convenience Stores: In addition to restaurants and bars, some supermarkets and convenience stores have obtained licenses to sell beer. These stores may have different quantity restrictions and regulations, so be sure to check with your local store.
• Beer Distributors: If you're looking for larger quantities of beer, such as cases or kegs, you'll need to visit a beverage distributor. These distributors specialise in selling beer and malt liquor but may have different hours and regulations than other retailers.

Remember to always drink responsibly and abide by Pennsylvania's alcohol laws to avoid any legal troubles. The laws regarding alcohol sales and consumption can be complex and may change over time, so it's always a good idea to stay informed and be mindful of your surroundings.

Buying beer online

Pennsylvania's alcohol laws are considered some of the strictest in the United States. The state's complex alcohol laws can be traced back to the Prohibition era and the stance of Gifford Pinchot, who served as governor from 1923 to 1935. Pinchot maintained a tough stance on alcohol control even after Prohibition was repealed during his second term. He believed that the best way to prevent corruption in the alcohol industry was through state control.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board was created to license establishments, set serving hours, and regulate prices. The state also has a quota system for licensing retail establishments that sell alcohol.

With that being said, here is some information on buying beer online in Pennsylvania:

While Pennsylvania's alcohol laws can make it challenging to purchase beer, there are now several options for getting beer delivered right to your door. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Quick Sip Delivery: This service, run by Hawthornes Beer Cafe in South Philly, offers unique build-your-own six-pack and growler-fill options. They also provide 12-packs, single-brand six-packs, and wine delivery within an hour. The minimum order is $13.50, with a mandatory gratuity of 15-20%.
• GoPuff: This app- and web-based service offers a wide range of craft beers in four-, six-, and 12-packs. They also have options for those who prefer more mainstream beers, such as 30-packs of Natural Light and tallboys of Bud Ice. GoPuff delivers until 10 pm on weekdays and 11 pm on weekends. The delivery fee is $1.95.
• Tavour: With a focus on hard-to-find and new beers, Tavour is an app-based service that frequently features beers from popular breweries like Anchorage Brewing, Side Project, and Barebottle Brewing. Customers can select as few or as many beers as they like over a four- to five-week period before they ship together. Tavour offers flat-rate shipping at $14.90.
• Mercury: Operated by the West Chester-based brewery Levante, Mercury is one of the only ways to get cans from this brewery, as their beers are usually only available on tap. They offer a variety of hazy hop bombs, crisp pilsners, and experimental brews. Beers are priced the same as at the brewery, with shipping as the only additional charge. The minimum order is three four-packs, with a maximum of six.
• Dudley Direct: Tired Hands' beer delivery service, Dudley Direct, provides Pennsylvanians with highly coveted brews at the same prices as at their Ardmore brewery. They offer delivery of bottled and canned beers, including the BrewviX-winning Sticky Drippy Crystals saison. Orders are packaged once a week and typically arrive within two weeks. Check their Instagram page for frequent free shipping codes.
• Beverages2U: Launched by Allegheny County's Brentwood Distributing, Beverages2U offers beer by the case as one-off orders or on a subscription basis. There's no order limit, and they carry a wide range of craft and mainstream beers. Orders over $150 ship free.

Remember, you must be 21 or older to purchase and receive beer deliveries in Pennsylvania.

Beer and driving

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously complex, and this extends to the rules around drinking and driving. Here are some key points to know about beer and driving in the state:

Drinking and Driving Laws in Pennsylvania:

• Pennsylvania has a strict "zero tolerance" policy for underage drinking and driving. Any driver under 21 with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% or higher will face severe penalties, including license suspension, jail time, and hefty fines.
• For drivers 21 and older, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%. Driving with a BAC above this limit is a crime and can result in a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge.
• The consequences of a DUI arrest in Pennsylvania can be significant, including costly traffic fines, legal fees, increased insurance premiums, license suspension, and even jail time.
• Pennsylvania has enhanced its impaired driving enforcement by training officers in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement and Drug Recognition Expert programs.
• To prevent impaired driving, Pennsylvania law requires the installation of ignition interlock systems in the vehicles of DUI offenders with high BAC levels. These devices prevent a vehicle from starting if they detect alcohol.

Where to Buy Beer in Pennsylvania:

• Beer distributors typically have the fewest restrictions on beer sales and can sell kegs, cases, 12-packs, 6-packs, and single bottles for "off-premise consumption."
• Bottle shops, grocery stores, bars, and breweries can also sell beer but may have quantity restrictions depending on their license.
• Beer can be purchased any day of the week, but the hours vary depending on the day and the retailer. Typically, beer sales are permitted from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Sundays, with some exceptions.

Remember, it is essential to drink responsibly and never drive under the influence of alcohol. The laws in Pennsylvania are strict, and the consequences of impaired driving can be severe.

Frequently asked questions