Pennsylvania's Sunday Beer Buying: Where To Go?

Pennsylvania's liquor 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 influence of Gifford Pinchot, who served as governor from 1923 to 1935. Pinchot maintained a tough stance on alcohol control even after Prohibition was repealed in 1933, believing that state control was the best way to prevent corruption in the industry. As a result, Pennsylvania's liquor laws have been restrictive and inconvenient for those looking to purchase alcohol, including beer.

Beer distributors

One well-known distributor is Banko Beverage Co, which has been in operation since 1933 and serves the Greater Lehigh Valley area. They offer a range of beers, from giants like Molson Coors and Heineken to emerging local labels. LT Verrastro, Inc. is another large distributor, serving Carbon, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Wayne, Wyoming, and Susquehanna counties. With over 130 full-time employees, they represent a variety of craft brewers, importers, cider companies, and domestic brewers.

Kirchner Beverage, founded in 1933, has a similar history, delivering beer door-to-door in Lancaster before transitioning to wholesale distribution. They now serve eight counties and carry brands like Pabst, Schmidt's, and Yuengling.

These beer distributors play an essential role in the beverage industry in Pennsylvania, providing a diverse range of options for consumers and supporting local and international brands. They navigate the state's complex alcohol laws, which include license requirements, serving hours, and regulations on the amount and type of alcohol that can be sold. Distributors are typically permitted to sell beer in any amount, while supermarkets have quantity restrictions.

Bottle shops

Pennsylvania's liquor laws have been regarded as some of the most restrictive in the US, and this extends to buying beer on Sundays. The state's liquor laws can be traced back to the Prohibition era and Governor Gifford Pinchot, who was a teetotaler. Pinchot believed that the best way to prevent corruption in the alcohol industry was through state control, and so the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board was born.

Pinocchio's Beer Garden To Go

This shop is attached to Pinocchio's Restaurant in Media and offers over 1,000 beers in a small space. It has a range of popular brands, as well as vintage bottles, bumper stickers, and breweriana on the walls. The shop also has a bar/checkout counter where you can buy six-packs, bombers, growlers, and crowlers, or enjoy a draft pour.

The Foodery

The Foodery was one of the first bottle shops in Philadelphia, opening in 1976. It offers a wide range of craft beer, including imports from Germany, Belgium, and England, as well as American craft beer. The store also sells food, as bottle shops tend to hold restaurant or eating place licenses.

Trenton Road Take Out

This bottle shop, located in Trenton Road, offers a curated selection of craft beer, including brews from Instagram darlings like Burley Oak Brewing Co. and Wyndridge Farm Brewing. They focus on offering rare beers that can be hard to find in supermarkets.

Other Options

In addition to dedicated bottle shops, beer can also be purchased from distributors, grocery stores, convenience stores, and breweries in Pennsylvania. However, the amount of beer that can be sold and whether it can be consumed on-site depends on the type of license the establishment has. Distributors, for example, can sell beer in any amount, while grocery and convenience stores are limited to selling up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per transaction.

Grocery stores

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

Other Options

If you are looking for wine or liquor, your best bet is to head to a state-owned Fine Wine & Good Spirits store, which also sells wine. There are over 600 of these stores across Pennsylvania.

Alternatively, you can buy beer from a distributor, which has fewer restrictions than grocery stores. Distributors can sell beer in any amount, including kegs, cases, 12-packs, 6-packs, single bottles, and growlers, and they are permitted to sell beer from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day except Sunday. With a Sunday Sales Permit, they can also sell beer on Sundays between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Breweries

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 unique alcohol regulations have resulted in a variety of options for purchasing beer on Sundays, including breweries, distributors, and licensed retailers.

When it comes to operating hours, licensed breweries in Pennsylvania are typically permitted to sell malt or brewed beverages for on-site consumption from 9:00 a.m. to midnight on Mondays through Saturdays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Sundays. These hours may vary, as breweries can apply for a Sunday Sales Permit, which allows them to sell beer for off-site consumption on Sundays between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

• Penn Brewery, Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh's oldest brewery, offering a range of year-round and seasonal beers, as well as dining options such as "ethnic-Pittsburgh" fare.
• Berg Brewing: A new addition to Chambersburg's growing craft beer scene.
• Voodoo Brewing Co.: A well-known brewery with multiple locations in Pennsylvania, recently welcoming a new Director of Operations, Jake Hornick.
• Local Remedy Brewing: A new brewery opening in the original Oakmont Bakery location.
• Grist House: A brewery that is expanding, with plans to open a second location.

These breweries offer a variety of craft beers, from traditional styles to innovative new brews, and some even provide additional services like catering and event spaces. When planning your Sunday visit, it is always a good idea to check the specific hours and offerings of the brewery you plan to visit, as well as any applicable state and local regulations.

Restaurants

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the United States, which can be traced back to the Prohibition era and Governor Gifford Pinchot, who was a teetotaler. The state has complex rules regarding the sale of beer, wine, and liquor, with varying licenses and serving hours for different types of establishments.

Licensed restaurants in Pennsylvania 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 morning if they have a Sunday sales permit. These establishments are only allowed to sell beer for on-premise consumption, and beer cannot be purchased to-go. In addition to beer, restaurants with the appropriate license can also sell liquor (wine and spirits) for on-premise consumption. However, they are not permitted to sell liquor "to-go" except under certain circumstances.

For a restaurant to qualify for a liquor license, it must meet specific requirements. The licensed area within the restaurant must be at least 400 square feet, equipped with tables and seating, and have sufficient food to accommodate at least 30 patrons at once. The restaurant must also have a current and valid health license issued by the governing municipal authority.

It is important to note that Pennsylvania's alcohol laws have recently become more relaxed. In 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed Acts 39 and 166, loosening restrictions on beer and wine sales and allowing for expanded store hours. Despite these changes, Pennsylvania's alcohol laws remain complex and can vary depending on the type of establishment and license held.

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