Buying Beer: Crossing State Lines Legally?

Pennsylvania's liquor laws have been restrictive and frustrating for almost a century. However, recent changes have made buying alcohol more convenient. While you still can't buy beer, wine, and liquor to drink at home all in the same place, there are now more options for purchasing beer.

Beer distributors, bottle shops, bars, grocery stores, and breweries can all sell beer, hard seltzer, and cider. The amount they can sell you depends on the type of license they have. Distributors have the fewest restrictions and can sell kegs, cases, 12-packs, six-packs, single bottles, and growlers. Bottle shops, grocery and convenience stores, bars, and other places can get a license to sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per transaction (equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans). Licensed breweries can sell beer to drink on-site or to go, as well as products from other Pennsylvania-licensed producers.

You can also have beer shipped or delivered to your home or business. Many breweries offer local delivery, and out-of-state shipping services can send up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per month.

So, is it legal to buy beer for Pennsylvania from Delaware? The answer is not clear-cut. While Pennsylvania's liquor laws have become more relaxed, allowing for more convenient beer purchases, the information specifically regarding buying beer from Delaware is limited. It is important to refer to the Pennsylvania Liquor Code and Liquor Control Board regulations for specific information.

Beer distributors in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's liquor laws have been notoriously restrictive, but they have been relaxed in recent years. Beer, wine, and liquor are all subject to different rules regarding where they can be purchased.

Some notable beer distributors in Pennsylvania include:

• LT Verrastro, Inc.: Serving Carbon, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Wayne, Wyoming, and Susquehanna counties, LT Verrastro is the largest distributor in Northeastern Pennsylvania. They represent a variety of craft brewers, importers, cider companies, and domestic brewers.
• Banko Beverage Co.: Operating for nearly 100 years, Banko Beverage Co. distributes drinks throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley area, including local craft beers and international brands. They are one of the oldest and largest beer wholesalers in the state.
• Kirchner Beverage: Based in Lancaster, Kirchner Beverage has been in business since 1933 and delivers to eight counties. They carry a range of brands, including Pabst, Schmidt's, Yuengling, Samuel Adams, and Sierra Nevada.

These distributors offer a wide selection of beer and are committed to meeting the needs of their customers.

Buying beer in Delaware

If you're thinking of buying beer in Delaware, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Delaware has some of the most restrictive alcohol laws in the country. While these laws have been relaxed in recent years, buying beer in Delaware can still be a bit of a challenge, especially if you're not familiar with the local regulations.

One important thing to note is that in Delaware, supermarkets are not allowed to sell any type of alcohol. This means that you can only purchase beer from liquor stores and bars, or directly from breweries, distilleries, and vineyards. This is in contrast to Pennsylvania, where supermarkets with attached restaurants are allowed to sell beer, as long as they meet certain conditions.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the hours of operation for beer sales in Delaware are typically similar to those of liquor stores and other retail establishments. While there are no state-wide restrictions on late-night beer sales, local authorities can place additional limits, and stores usually close before 10 pm. So, if you're planning on stocking up for a party, make sure to check the opening hours of your local beer retailer.

The laws around beer distribution in Delaware are also worth noting. Beer distributors are permitted to sell beer in any amount, while supermarkets have quantity restrictions. Distributors can sell beer in various package configurations, including cases, 12-packs, 6-packs, and single bottles. They can also sell beer in refillable and resealable growlers, as well as original containers of 128 ounces or more, such as kegs.

Finally, it's important to be mindful of the drinking age restrictions in Delaware. As in most states, the minimum drinking age is 21, and minors are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol. So, if you're planning on buying beer in Delaware, make sure you are of legal age and always drink responsibly.

Pennsylvania's liquor laws

Pinchot's administration established the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) and the state liquor store system. The PLCB licenses establishments, sets serving hours, and regulates prices. The board operates on a quota system, with the current quota being one license per 3,000 county inhabitants. There are several types and sub-categories of liquor licenses available, including retail liquor licenses and retail dispenser licenses. Retail liquor licenses can sell liquor, wine, malt, and brewed beverages for consumption on the premises. Retail dispenser licenses are subject to the same restrictions but are limited to only selling brewed and malt beverages.

In addition to the license categories, there are also distributor licenses for establishments selling larger quantities of beer, such as cases and kegs. Pennsylvania is an alcoholic beverage control state, and spirits can only be sold in state-owned Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, which also sell wine but not beer. Beer can be purchased from distributors or in limited quantities at supermarkets.

Pennsylvania's drinking laws

In 1933, days before Prohibition's official end, Pinchot called a special session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly to create the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). The purpose of the PLCB was to "discourage the purchase of alcoholic beverages by making it as inconvenient and expensive as possible." The PLCB was tasked with licensing establishments, setting serving hours, and regulating prices.

In recent years, there have been efforts to reform Pennsylvania's liquor laws, making it easier to purchase alcohol. In 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed Acts 39 and 166 into law, loosening restrictions on beer and wine sales and shipping and expanding state store hours. Act 39 also allowed for wine sales at supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels, and additional alcohol licenses for retailers.

• Retail establishments selling alcohol must be licensed. The PLCB operates on a quota system, currently allowing one license per 3,000 county inhabitants.
• There are different types of liquor licenses, including retail liquor licenses and retail dispenser licenses. Retail liquor licenses allow for the on-premises sale and consumption of liquor, wine, malt, and brewed beverages, while retail dispenser licenses are limited to brewed and malt beverages.
• Restaurants and bars can sell beer and wine in smaller quantities, up to 192 fluid ounces of beer and four bottles of wine per purchase.
• Grocery and convenience stores may sell wine if they obtain a license.
• Only beverage distributors may sell beer in larger quantities, such as cases and kegs. They are not permitted to sell wine or spirits.
• The state has a government monopoly on the sale of distilled spirits (liquor), which can only be purchased at state-owned Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores. These stores are typically open from 9 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday and have varying hours on Sundays.
• The minimum drinking age in Pennsylvania is 21 years. It is illegal for minors to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol, even if provided by their immediate family.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) is a crime in Pennsylvania, with strict penalties for those convicted. The state follows a "zero-tolerance" policy for those under 21, with a maximum blood alcohol level of 0.02%. For those 21 and older, the limit is 0.08%.
• It is illegal to possess or consume alcohol on the land and water of state parks and many other waterways. Operating a boat with a blood alcohol level above 0.08% can result in jail time, fines, and suspension of the operator's license.

Delaware's drinking laws

In terms of sales, on-site alcohol consumption is permitted from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., while off-site consumption sales are allowed from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, off-site sales are restricted to noon to 8 p.m. and are subject to local ordinances. Sales on holidays are prohibited, except for liquor stores, taprooms, and brewpubs.

Delaware's drinking and driving laws are also strict. Anyone under 21, including adults, is prohibited from driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. For adults, the legal limit is 0.08% BAC.

In contrast, Pennsylvania has had a reputation for having some of the most restrictive liquor laws in the nation, although reforms in 2016 and 2017 made it easier to purchase alcohol. However, the purchase of liquor, wine, and beer for at-home consumption still requires visiting multiple types of stores.

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