Pennsylvania Beer Buying: Legal Hours And Age Limits

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the United States, which can be traced back to the Prohibition era. The state's complex alcohol laws have been relaxed in recent years, but buying beer still comes with certain restrictions. Beer can be purchased from 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 a.m. to 2 a.m., while on Sundays, sales are restricted to establishments with a proper permit and are generally limited to between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Where to buy beer in PA

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest alcohol regulations in the United States. These laws can be traced back to the Prohibition era and the stance of Gifford Pinchot, who served as governor from 1923 to 1935. 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 created to license establishments, set serving hours, and regulate prices.

So, where can you buy beer in Pennsylvania?

The main place to buy beer in Pennsylvania is a licensed beer distributor. These distributors can sell beer in any amount, whereas other retailers have quantity restrictions. Distributors can sell beer in cases, 12- or 6-packs, or as singles, as well as single cans ranging from 19-25oz. They can also sell kegs and fill growlers. Beer distributors are typically open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 11 pm, and on Sundays from 9 am to 9 pm with a Sunday Sales Permit.

Other places to buy beer include:

• Bars and restaurants
• Breweries and taprooms
• Gas stations
• Grocery stores
• Package and liquor stores

Bars and restaurants can sell beer from 7 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday, and from 9 am to 2 am on Sundays with a Sunday Sales Permit. They can sell beer on draft, as well as single bottles or cans, but only for on-premise consumption.

Gas stations in Pennsylvania can sell up to two 6-packs of beer per transaction, with a specific license. They can sell 12 oz cans or bottles in 6- or 12-packs, and 19 or 25oz cans, depending on the ABV.

Grocery stores have similar restrictions to gas stations, but with some hour-of-operation differences. They can sell beer Monday through Saturday between 7 am and 2 am, and on Sundays from 9 am to 2 am with a permit. Most grocery stores, however, are not open until 2 am. There is a 192 fl. oz. maximum on beer sales in grocery stores, and anything over this limit requires an additional transaction.

Liquor stores in Pennsylvania are run by the state and can sell wine and spirits, but not beer.

Breweries and taprooms are open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to midnight, and on Sundays from 9 am to 9 pm for on-premise consumption. A Sunday Sales Permit is required for off-premise beer sales on Sundays, but not for on-premise consumption. Breweries and taprooms can sell beer on tap, as well as 6- or 12-packs, 15-pack varieties, or packaged growlers.

Additionally, you can get beer delivered in Pennsylvania through services like GoPuff, Quick Sip Delivery, or in-house delivery options from local breweries.

On-premise consumption

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

Licensed retail locations, including bars, restaurants, breweries, and taprooms, can sell beer for on-premise consumption. These establishments can sell beer from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, they can sell beer from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Monday morning if they possess a Sunday sales permit.

Bars and restaurants are only permitted to sell beer for on-premise consumption and are not authorised to provide to-go sales. They can sell beer on tap as well as single bottles or cans.

Breweries and taprooms can sell beer for on-premise consumption during their operating hours, which are typically Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight, and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a Sunday Sales Permit. They can also sell beer for off-premise consumption, including 6- or 12-packs, 15-pack varieties, or packaged growlers.

Hotels with a valid liquor license can sell alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption within the standard hours. Additionally, they can sell alcohol to guests in their rooms.

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. These clubs may sell alcohol to non-members as part of a "catered event," but only if the event is arranged by a third party.

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.

Pennsylvania also imposes restrictions on the quantity of alcoholic beverages that can be sold for on-premise consumption. Establishments with the appropriate license can sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer (usually equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans) per transaction. Licensed retailers can sell up to 3 liters of wine per transaction, while there are no specific quantity restrictions mentioned for liquor. However, establishments must adhere to responsible serving practices and refrain from serving visibly intoxicated individuals.

Off-premise consumption

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

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.

Licensed distributors have the fewest restrictions and can sell beer for off-premise consumption in any amount. They 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 typically sell beer in cases, 12- or 6-packs, or as single bottles or cans, as well as 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. These locations are not allowed to provide to-go sales.

Gas stations in Pennsylvania can sell beer from Monday at 2 am until midnight Saturday. They require a specific license to sell beer and are limited to selling up to two 6-packs per transaction. 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.

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 and Shipping

Beer delivery and shipping are legal in Pennsylvania and can be provided 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. Delivery options include third-party services like GoPuff or in-house delivery.

Sunday sales

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

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 2 am on Monday morning. However, some establishments must adhere to more specific Sunday operating hours:

• Bars and restaurants with the necessary permits can sell beer on Sundays between 9 am and 2 am on 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 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' may sell beer on Sundays from 11 am to 2 am on Monday morning with a Sunday Sales Permit.
• Gas stations with a specific license can sell beer from 2 am on Monday to midnight on 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.

Other Restrictions

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously complex, and there are several other restrictions to be aware of:

• 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 can sell beer in any amount, while supermarkets have quantity restrictions.
• 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.
• Pennsylvania also imposes certain restrictions on the quantity of alcoholic beverages that can be sold for on-premise consumption: establishments with the appropriate license can sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer (usually equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans) per transaction.
• 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. Minors are not permitted to drink alcohol for any reason in the state, even with parental supervision.

Age 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 complex alcohol laws have been relaxed in recent years, but buying beer still comes with certain 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. Minors are not permitted to drink alcohol for any reason in the state, even with parental supervision. A person under the age of 21 can be arrested and charged for the consumption of alcohol through association, usually at large gatherings like parties where it is deemed impractical to issue individual chemical tests.

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. 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.

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.

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 or in-house delivery.

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

• 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 am to midnight and Sundays from 9 am to 9 pm 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 am, 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.

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: While there are no specific quantity restrictions mentioned for liquor, establishments must adhere to responsible serving practices and not serve visibly intoxicated individuals.

Frequently asked questions