Buying Beer At Bars In Pa: How Much?

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously complex and restrictive. The state's liquor 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 license establishments, set serving hours, and regulate prices. Today, the laws surrounding alcohol sales in Pennsylvania are still strict and can be confusing for consumers. For example, beer, wine, and liquor cannot be purchased in the same place.

When it comes to buying beer at a bar in Pennsylvania, there are a few things to keep in mind. Bars in the state typically have a retail dispenser license, which allows them to sell malt and brewed beverages, including beer, for on-premises consumption. The amount of beer that can be purchased at a bar in Pennsylvania may vary depending on the license held by the establishment. According to Pennsylvania law, bars with a retail dispenser license can sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per transaction, which is equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans. This means that patrons may need to make multiple transactions if they wish to purchase more than the allowed limit. Additionally, the hours of operation for bars in Pennsylvania are typically from 7:00 am to 2:00 am Monday through Saturday, and from 11:00 am to 2:00 am on Sundays, provided the bar has a Sunday Sales Permit.

Beer distributors vs. bars

Beer distributors and bars in Pennsylvania have different licensing requirements and are subject to different regulations.

Licensing

Bars in Pennsylvania require a retail liquor license or a retail dispenser license. A retail liquor license allows for the sale of liquor, wine, malt, and brewed beverages for consumption on the premises. A retail dispenser license is more limited and only permits the sale of brewed and malt beverages. Bars with a retail liquor license can sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per purchase for off-premises consumption. Bars with a retail dispenser license are subject to the same restrictions.

Beer distributors, on the other hand, require a distributor license, which allows for the sale of malt and brewed beverages for off-premises consumption only. Distributors are authorized to sell beer in any package configuration and are not limited to the manufacturer's original configuration. They can sell beer in cases, 12-packs, 6-packs, single bottles, and refillable and resealable growlers. Distributors may also sell beer in original containers of 128 ounces or more, such as kegs.

Hours of Operation

Bars in Pennsylvania can serve alcohol from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Sundays, provided they have a Sunday Sales Permit. Private clubs are allowed to operate until 3:00 a.m.

Beer distributors' hours of operation are typically similar to those of liquor stores and other retail establishments. On Sundays, a special license is required to sell beer, and sales before 9:00 a.m. are prohibited. While state law permits late-night beer distributors, local authorities can place additional restrictions, and stores typically close before 10:00 p.m.

Products Sold

Bars with a retail liquor license can sell a variety of alcoholic beverages, including liquor, wine, and beer, for on-premises consumption. They can also sell limited quantities of beer (up to 192 fluid ounces) for off-premises consumption. Bars with a retail dispenser license are limited to selling only brewed and malt beverages, such as beer.

Beer distributors primarily sell larger quantities of beer, such as cases, 12-packs, and kegs. They can offer a wider variety of package configurations compared to bars, including single bottles and growlers. Distributors are also permitted to sell soft drinks, water, ice, and snack foods.

Customer Experience

Bars offer an on-site drinking experience, allowing patrons to consume alcoholic beverages on the premises. They may also provide additional amenities such as seating, food, and entertainment. Bars typically have a more social and lively atmosphere compared to beer distributors.

Beer distributors, on the other hand, are focused on off-premises consumption, meaning customers purchase beer to consume elsewhere. Distributors may offer a more limited selection of products compared to bars, but they can provide better pricing for larger quantities. Distributors may also offer additional products, such as growlers, cigars, and to-go food, creating multiple revenue streams.

Buying beer at a grocery store

Pennsylvania's alcohol laws are notoriously complex and restrictive, and this is true when it comes to buying beer at a grocery store, too.

Firstly, it's important to note that in Pennsylvania, supermarkets are prohibited from selling beer, wine, and spirits. However, some grocery stores have found a way around this by putting restaurants within the supermarkets, thus acquiring beer sale licenses and selling beer in the same way as a bar or restaurant would. These restaurants must have a defined separation from the rest of the supermarket, a separate cashier, and seating for at least 30 patrons.

If you're buying beer at a grocery store in Pennsylvania, it's likely that you'll be buying it from one of these attached restaurants. The license these restaurants hold allows them to sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per purchase (the equivalent of 12 16-ounce cans). This means you can buy more than one six-pack, but you'll have to make a different transaction for each purchase. You can drink the beer there or take it away.

Some examples of grocery stores with attached restaurants that sell beer in Pennsylvania include Giant Food Stores, which has 18 "Beer Garden and Eatery" locations within its stores, and Weis Markets, which has 41 beer cafe sites.

Buying beer online

Pennsylvania's alcohol laws are considered some of the strictest in the United States. The state has complex regulations surrounding alcohol that can be traced back to the Prohibition era. While the specific amount of beer that can be purchased at a bar in Pennsylvania is not clear, there are several options for buying beer online and getting it delivered to your door.

Pennsylvania's alcohol laws can make it difficult to purchase beer in the state, but there are a few ways to buy beer online and have it delivered to your home. Here are some options:

Quick Sip Delivery:

Quick Sip Delivery is run by the team behind Hawthornes Beer Cafe in South Philadelphia. They offer unique build-your-own six-pack and growler-fill options, as well as 12-packs and single-brand six-packs. They also deliver wine within an hour, and their delivery times run until 11 pm every day. The minimum order is $13.50, with a mandatory gratuity of 15-20%.

Mercury by Levante:

Levante's beer delivery service, Mercury, provides access to their West Chester-based brewery's beers, which are usually only available on tap. They offer a variety of options, including hazy hop bombs like Tickle Parts, crisp pilsners like Birra Di Levante, and experimental brews. Orders are typically packaged the same day and delivered within a few days, ensuring maximum freshness. The only additional charge is for shipping, with beer prices remaining the same as at the brewery. The minimum order is three four-packs, with a maximum of six.

Dudley Direct by Tired Hands:

Tired Hands' beer delivery service, Dudley Direct, offers highly coveted brews at the same prices as their Ardmore brewery. They deliver about two dozen bottled beers, including the BrewviX-winning Sticky Drippy Crystals saison, and four-packs of canned flagships like Alien Church and HopHands. Orders are packaged once a week and generally arrive within two weeks but can come as early as a few days. Check their Instagram page for free shipping codes. The delivery requirement is that four-packs must be ordered in multiples of four.

Tavour:

Tavour is an app-based service that focuses on hard-to-find and new beers, featuring breweries like Anchorage Brewing, Side Project, and Barebottle Brewing. The list changes daily due to sellouts and new additions. Customers can select any number of beers they want over a four- to five-week period before they ship together. Tavour is an excellent choice for those seeking out-of-market selections. The flat delivery rate is $14.90.

Beverages2U:

Launched by Allegheny County's Brentwood Distributing, Beverages2U offers beer by the case as one-off or subscription orders. There are no order limits, so customers can buy as many cases as they like from a selection of over 300 beers. Options include craft breweries like Rusty Rail, Penn Brewery, and Full Pint Brewing, as well as larger breweries like 21st Amendment, Avery, and Boston Beer Co. They even deliver popular brands like Coors, Budweiser, and Miller. Orders over $150 ship for free.

GoPuff:

GoPuff is an app- and web-based service that delivers a range of beers, including craft beers in four-, six-, and 12-packs. Some of their craft beer options include Dock Street's Agave Lava, Love City Eraserhood, and 2SP Delco Lager. They deliver until 10 pm on weekdays and 11 pm on weekends, ensuring you have good beer even at odd hours. The delivery fee is $1.95, and orders can arrive in as little as 30 minutes.

While the amount of beer one can purchase at a bar in Pennsylvania may be limited, these online options provide a convenient way to get a wide variety of beers delivered right to your door.

Buying beer at a convenience store

Beer in Pennsylvania can be purchased from a variety of places, including distributors, bottle shops, bars, grocery stores, and breweries. The amount of beer that can be purchased at a convenience store depends on the type of license the store has.

Convenience stores with a license to sell beer can sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per transaction, which is equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans or a 12-pack of beer. If you want to buy more than that, you will need to make another transaction or visit a beer distributor. Distributors have fewer restrictions and can sell larger quantities, such as kegs, cases, and 12-packs, as well as six-packs, single bottles, and growlers.

It's important to note that the hours of operation for beer sales may vary. While state law permits late-night beer sales, local authorities can place additional restrictions, and stores typically close before 10 pm. On Sundays, a special license is required to sell beer, and sales before 9 am are not permitted.

Additionally, Pennsylvania has strict alcohol laws, and it is important to abide by the minimum drinking age of 21 years.

Buying beer at a hotel

Pennsylvania's alcohol laws are considered some of the strictest in the United States. The state has a complex history with alcohol, and its regulations can be traced back to the Prohibition era.

If you're looking to buy beer at a hotel in Pennsylvania, here's what you need to know:

Hotel Liquor License:

Hotels in Pennsylvania are required to obtain a liquor license to sell and serve alcoholic beverages. The specific type of license required is known as a "Hotel (H) Liquor License." This license permits the sale and service of beer, wine, and liquor (including spirits) for on-premise consumption.

On-Premise Consumption:

With an (H) license, hotels are allowed to sell beer, wine, and liquor to guests for consumption within the hotel premises. This includes areas such as hotel bars, restaurants, or guest rooms.

Off-Premise Consumption:

While hotels can sell beer for off-premise consumption, there are quantity restrictions. Hotels are permitted to sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per purchase for guests to take away. This typically translates to two six-packs and a little extra, or one twelve-pack of beer.

License Requirements:

To qualify for a hotel liquor license in Pennsylvania, the premises must meet certain requirements:

• The hotel must maintain a minimum number of bedrooms for transient guests, based on the size of the municipality, unless otherwise exempted by statute.
• The hotel must have a functioning kitchen or food preparation area.
• The licensed area within the hotel must be at least 400 square feet, equipped with tables and seating, and sufficient food to accommodate at least 30 patrons at once.
• The hotel must possess a current and valid health license issued by the governing municipal authority.

Serving Hours:

Hotels with an (H) liquor license are permitted to sell alcohol between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. from Monday through Saturday. If the hotel obtains a Sunday Sales Permit, alcohol sales are extended to Sundays, starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 2:00 a.m. on Monday.

No sales or service of alcohol can take place after 2:00 a.m., and all unfinished drinks must be collected, and patrons must depart the licensed premises by 2:30 a.m. However, if the hotel also holds an Extended Hours Food Permit, patrons may remain on the premises past this time.

Additional Permits:

Hotels with an (H) liquor license can further expand their alcohol offerings by obtaining additional permits. For example:

• Wine Expanded Permit: Allows the sale of up to 300 mL (four 750 mL bottles) of wine "to go" in a single transaction.
• Sunday Sales Permit: Authorizes alcohol sales on Sundays, following the same serving hours as mentioned above.

Age Restrictions:

It is important to note that Pennsylvania has strict laws regarding the minimum drinking age. Only individuals who are 21 years of age or older are permitted to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol. Minors are prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol, even if it is provided by their immediate family.

Other Considerations:

When purchasing beer at a hotel in Pennsylvania, it is essential to abide by the quantity restrictions for off-premise consumption. Additionally, always remember to carry a valid ID when purchasing alcohol, as establishments are required to verify the age of their customers.

Pennsylvania's alcohol laws can be intricate, and there may be specific regulations that vary from hotel to hotel. It is always a good idea to check with the hotel staff or management to understand their specific policies and guidelines regarding the purchase and consumption of beer on their premises.

Frequently asked questions