Buying Beer In Pa: Understanding The Time Restrictions

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the United States, which can be traced back to the Prohibition era. The state's liquor laws have recently loosened, but buying alcohol can still be confusing for consumers. Beer can be purchased from a variety of places, including licensed distributors, bars, restaurants, breweries, taprooms, and even some supermarkets and gas stations. The hours during which beer can be sold vary depending on the day of the week and the type of license held by the establishment. On weekdays, beer sales are typically allowed from 7 am to 2 am, while on Sundays, sales are restricted to establishments with a proper permit and are generally limited to between 9 am and 9 pm.

Where to buy beer in PA

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest alcohol regulations in the US, which can be traced back to the Prohibition era. The state's complex alcohol laws have been loosened in recent years, but buying beer still comes with certain restrictions.

Where to Buy Beer in Pennsylvania

Malt beverages like beer are available in a number of places, including beer distributors, bottle shops, bars, grocery stores, and breweries. However, the amount of beer that can be sold in each place depends on the type of license they have.

Beer Distributors

Beer distributors have the fewest restrictions and can sell kegs, cases, and 12-packs, as well as six-packs, single bottles, and growlers since 2016. However, beer purchased from distributors is for "off-premise consumption," meaning it cannot be consumed on the premises.

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 (equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans) per transaction. You can buy more, but it requires multiple transactions. Beer purchased from these places can be consumed on-site or taken to go.

Breweries

Licensed breweries can sell beer to be consumed on-site or taken to go, as well as products from other Pennsylvania-licensed producers for on-site consumption.

Delivery and Shipping

You can also have beer delivered or shipped to your home or business. Many breweries offer local delivery or shipping within the state, but someone 21 or older must be present to accept the delivery. Services like GoPuff or Quick Sip Delivery can also be used for beer delivery. Out-of-state shipping services, such as Tavour, can send up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per month.

Supermarkets and Convenience Stores

Many supermarkets and convenience store chains, including Acme, Giant/Martin's, Giant Eagle, Price Chopper/Market 32, Redner's, ShopRite, Wegmans, Weis, Whole Foods, Royal Farms, Rutter's, Sheetz, Turkey Hill, and Wawa, sell beer at select locations. These stores have quantity restrictions and may require a separate license to sell beer.

Restaurants and Licensed Retailers

Restaurants, bars, and licensed retailers can sell beer in small quantities, including six and twelve packs, as well as individual bottles up to 192 fluid ounces per purchase.

Hours of Operation

The hours of operation for beer distributors and retail establishments are typically similar to that of wine and spirits stores. On Sundays, a special license is required to sell beer, and sales before 9 am are not permitted. While state law permits late-night beer sales, local authorities may impose additional restrictions, and stores typically close before 10 pm.

Beer distributors

People under 21 may enter most beer distributors without an adult because, in addition to alcohol, most distributors also sell water, soda, ice, and some snack foods.

Although state law permits late-night beer distributors, local authorities can place additional restrictions, and stores typically close before 10 pm.

On-premise consumption

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously complex, and on-premise consumption is no exception. Here are the key things you need to know about on-premise consumption in the state:

Hours of Sale:

Location Types:

There are several types of locations where on-premise consumption is allowed in Pennsylvania, each with its own specific regulations:

• Bars and Restaurants: These establishments can sell beer, wine, and liquor for on-premise consumption. They typically operate within the standard hours mentioned above.
• Breweries and Taprooms: They can sell beer for on-premise consumption during their operating hours, which are usually Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to midnight and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Sunday Sales Permit.
• Hotels: With a valid liquor license, hotels can sell alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption within the standard hours. Additionally, they can sell alcohol to guests in their rooms.
• Clubs: Private clubs with a liquor license can operate until 3:00 a.m., offering a longer window for on-premise consumption compared to bars and restaurants.
• Grocery and Convenience Stores: Some grocery and convenience stores have attached restaurants with separate seating and cashiers, allowing them to sell small quantities of beer and wine for on-premise consumption.

Quantity Restrictions:

Pennsylvania also imposes certain restrictions on the quantity of alcoholic beverages that can be sold for on-premise consumption:

• Beer: Establishments with the appropriate license can sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer (usually equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans) per transaction.
• Wine: Licensed retailers can sell up to 3 liters of wine per transaction.
• Liquor: There are no specific quantity restrictions mentioned for liquor, but establishments must adhere to responsible serving practices and not serve visibly intoxicated individuals.

Other Considerations:

• Age Restrictions: The minimum drinking age in Pennsylvania is 21 years old. Establishments are required to check the IDs of individuals who appear to be under the age of 35.
• Open Container Laws: Pennsylvania has strict open container laws that prohibit possessing or consuming open containers of alcohol in public places, including roadways.

Off-premise consumption

Pennsylvania has some of the most restrictive alcohol laws in the United States, which can be traced back to the Prohibition era. The state's governor from 1923 to 1935, Gifford Pinchot, was a teetotaler who opposed the repeal of Prohibition. Pinchot established the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to regulate alcohol sales and make purchasing alcohol "as inconvenient and expensive as possible."

Pennsylvania is an alcoholic beverage control state, meaning 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 a distributor or in limited quantities at supermarkets. Beverage distributors are permitted to sell beer in any amount, while supermarkets have quantity restrictions. Distributors can sell beer Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 11 pm and on Sundays from 9 am to 9 pm with a special license.

There is no limit to the amount of alcohol that can be purchased per transaction at Pennsylvania beer distributors. They can sell beer in cases, 12- or 6-packs, or as singles, as well as single 19-25oz cans, and kegs.

Grocery stores in Pennsylvania can sell beer Monday through Saturday between 7 am and 2 am through an interior connection to the grocery store. On Sundays, they can sell beer from 9 am to 2 am with a Sunday Sales Permit, although most grocery stores are not open that late. Grocery stores have a 192 fl. oz. maximum on beer sales, and anything over this limit requires an additional transaction.

Bars and restaurants can sell beer for off-premise consumption in quantities of up to 192 fluid ounces per purchase. They can sell beer Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 2 am and on Sundays from 9 am to 2 am Monday morning with a Sunday sales permit.

Gas stations in Pennsylvania can sell beer from Monday at 2 am until midnight Saturday. They are permitted to sell up to two 6-packs per transaction and require a specific license to do so. Gas stations can sell beer in 12 oz cans or bottles in 6- or 12-packs, as well as 19 or 25oz cans, depending on the ABV.

Wineries are common throughout the state, and wine can be purchased at their storefronts in malls. Wine was previously available in supermarket kiosks, but this practice has ended.

On-Premise Consumption

Licensed retail locations, including bars and restaurants, can sell beer for on-premise consumption from 7 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays from 9 am to 2 am Monday morning with a proper permit. These locations are not allowed to provide to-go sales.

Breweries and taprooms can sell beer for on-premise consumption Monday through Saturday from 9 am to midnight and on Sundays from 9 am to 9 pm. A Sunday Sales Permit is not required for on-premise sales but is necessary for off-premise sales on Sundays.

Delivery

Beer delivery is legal in Pennsylvania and can be provided by breweries and restaurants between 8 am and 11 pm Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays with a Sunday Sales Permit. Delivery options include third-party services like GoPuff or in-house delivery.

Sunday sales

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously complex and restrictive, and this is reflected in the state's Sunday sales rules.

Firstly, it's important to note that a Sunday Sales Permit is required to sell beer on Sundays in Pennsylvania. This permit allows for the sale of beer from 9 am to 9 pm on Sundays.

Bars and Restaurants

Bars and restaurants with the necessary permits can sell beer on Sundays between 9 am and 2 am Monday morning. However, they are only permitted to sell beer for on-premise consumption, and to-go sales are not allowed.

Beer Distributors and Breweries

Beer distributors and breweries with a Sunday Sales Permit can sell beer on Sundays from 9 am to 9 pm. There is no limit to the amount of alcohol that can be purchased per transaction at these locations. Distributors typically sell beer in cases, 12- or 6-packs, singles, and kegs, and they can also fill growlers.

Retailers with Eating Places or 'Cafes'

Retailers with eating places or 'cafes' may sell beer on Sundays from 11 am to 2 am Monday morning with a Sunday Sales Permit.

Gas Stations and Grocery Stores

Gas stations with a specific license can sell beer from 2 am Monday to midnight Saturday, with a limit of two 6-packs per transaction. Grocery stores typically operate under the same restrictions as gas stations, with some hour-of-operation differences. They can sell beer from 7 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday and from 9 am to 2 am on Sunday with a Sunday Sales Permit. Most grocery stores are not open until 2 am. There is a maximum limit of 192 fluid ounces of beer per purchase at grocery stores.

Wineries and Fine Wine & Good Spirits Stores

Wineries are common in Pennsylvania and often sell their wines at storefronts in shopping malls. Wine was once available in supermarket kiosks, but this practice has ended. Many supermarkets now have attached restaurants where small quantities of wine and beer can be purchased.

Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores are run by the state and sell liquor and wine but not beer. They typically operate from 9 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday and from 11 am to 7 pm on Sundays, depending on the district, county, and level classification of the store.

Delivery and Curbside Pickup

Beer delivery and curbside pickup are legal in Pennsylvania and are offered by breweries and restaurants. These locations may sell and deliver beer between 8 am and 11 pm Monday through Saturday and on Sundays with a Sunday Sales Permit.

Age Restrictions

Pennsylvania has a strict minimum drinking age of 21, and anyone selling alcohol is required to check the ID of anyone who appears to be under the age of 35. Minors are not permitted to drink alcohol for any reason in the state, even with parental supervision.

Frequently asked questions