The Best Beer-Buying Options In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously confusing, with some of the strictest regulations in the US. The state's complicated alcohol laws can be traced back to the Prohibition era and the end of Governor Gifford Pinchot's tenure, a teetotaler who wanted to discourage the purchase of alcoholic beverages by making it as inconvenient and expensive as possible. So, where can you buy beer in the state?

Beer can be purchased from distributors, bottle shops, bars, grocery stores, and breweries. Distributors have the fewest restrictions, selling kegs, cases, 12-packs, six-packs, single bottles, and growlers for off-premise consumption. Bottle shops, grocery and convenience stores, bars, and other licensed retailers can sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer (around 12 cans) per transaction. Licensed breweries can sell beer to drink on-site or to go, including products from other Pennsylvania-licensed producers. Beer can also be delivered to your home or business, with some breweries offering local delivery.

Some gas stations and pizza shops also sell six-packs, and a few grocery stores have annexed liquor sections with growler dispensaries. Pennsylvania's archaic alcohol laws have led to some creative workarounds, with residents sampling beers at mix-and-match shops and then buying cases from local distributors to save money.

Buying beer in the Poconos

Pennsylvania's liquor laws have been described as "restrictive" and "frustrating", and buying beer in the Poconos is no exception. Here's what you need to know about buying beer in this region:

Where to Buy Beer in the Poconos

If you're looking for a single six-pack of beer, you can purchase it from a bar, pub, pizza shop, or grill that offers beer to go. However, it's important to note that not all restaurants and bars sell beer to go. Alternatively, you can visit a "party store" or "package goods store", which typically sell cases of beer along with snacks and ice. These stores are usually closed on Sundays due to "blue laws".

For a wider selection of craft beers, you can explore the Pocono Beverage Trail, which includes several breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Here are some popular breweries in the Poconos:

• Pocono Brewery Company: Located in Swiftwater, this family-owned brewery offers a unique dining experience with gourmet pizza and an award-winning craft beer selection. They also provide tours and beer tasting sessions.
• Here & Now Brewing Company: Inspired by the seasons and local resources, this brewery in Honesdale features a rotating tap list and a full menu of in-house crafted food.
• Second District Brew Farm: Set amidst 100 acres of rolling hills in Milanville, this brew farm and vineyard offers a unique selection of experimental and one-of-a-kind beverages.
• Wallenpaupack Brewing Company: Located off the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack, this brewery features dynamic craft beers and a robust food menu with locally sourced ingredients.
• Jam Room Brewing Company: This laid-back brewery and tasting room in Newfoundland is known for its music-themed atmosphere and beers crafted with local ingredients.
• Barley Creek Brewing Company: The original Poconos brewpub in Tannersville has been a staple for over two decades, offering beers brewed on-site and a small-batch distillery.
• Mountain View Brewing Company: Enjoy panoramic views from their wrap-around deck while sipping on their house-made beers, wines, and spirits. They also offer a bistro with small bites and flatbreads.

Pennsylvania's Alcohol Laws

Pennsylvania's complicated alcohol laws can be traced back to the American Prohibition era. The state has strict regulations on the sale of liquor, which is controlled by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. While the laws have been recently relaxed, allowing for expanded store hours and beer and wine sales, there are still some unique challenges when purchasing alcohol in the state.

In summary, buying beer in the Poconos requires some knowledge of local regulations and options. Whether you're looking for a quick six-pack from a bar or want to explore the diverse offerings of the Pocono Beverage Trail, there are plenty of options to enjoy a refreshing beer in this scenic region.

Buying beer at gas stations

Pennsylvania's liquor laws have been among the most restrictive in the nation, and this has been the case since the end of Prohibition in 1933. The state's complicated alcohol laws can be traced back to the American prohibition. Even after it was repealed, Pennsylvania maintained a dry stance on alcohol until the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board was formed in 1933. The state's liquor laws have recently loosened, making buying alcohol a little more convenient.

Beer distributors, bottle shops, bars, grocery stores, and breweries can all sell beer, hard seltzer, and cider. What’s different, though, is how much they can sell you, which depends on the type of license they have. Beer distributors have the fewest restrictions. They can sell you kegs, cases, 12-packs, six-packs, single bottles, and growlers. But it is all for “off-premise consumption,” so you can’t buy your beer at the store and drink it there, too.

In the past, you could not buy beer at gas stations in Pennsylvania. However, as of August 2016, a loophole in the law has allowed some larger gas stations to start selling beer. In addition, as of September 16, 2024, bipartisan legislation was passed to allow the sale of ready-to-drink cocktails at gas stations.

If you are looking to buy beer in Pennsylvania, your best option is to go to a beer distributor. They have the fewest restrictions on the amount of beer you can buy and the best prices. If you are looking for a wider selection of beer, you can try a mix-and-match six-pack store, but be prepared to pay a premium price.

Buying beer at grocery stores

Pennsylvania's liquor laws have been described as "frustrating and restrictive", with the state's complicated alcohol laws being traced back to the Prohibition era.

Beer can be purchased at grocery stores, but there are quantity restrictions. Grocery stores are licensed to sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per transaction (the equivalent of 12 16-ounce cans). If you want to buy more, you will have to make another transaction.

Beer distributors have fewer restrictions and can sell kegs, cases, 12-packs, six-packs, single bottles, and growlers. However, it is all for "off-premise consumption", so you cannot drink your beer at the store.

Beer can also be purchased at bottle shops, bars, and breweries. Licensed breweries can sell you beer to drink on-site or to go, or products from other Pennsylvania-licensed producers to drink there.

Pennsylvania's liquor laws have loosened in recent years, making buying alcohol more convenient. In 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed Acts 39 and 166 into law, loosening restrictions on beer and wine sales and shipping, and allowing for expanded state store hours.

Some grocery stores have annexed liquor sections and started to have growler dispensaries at relatively affordable prices. However, it is worth noting that not all distributors and mix-and-match shops are as popular as others, and it is not uncommon to find expired beer for sale, so it is important to pay attention when buying bottled beer.

Several convenience store chains, such as Royal Farms, Rutter's, Sheetz, Turkey Hill, and Wawa, sell beer and wine at select locations.

Buying beer at bars

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously confusing, so it's worth brushing up on the rules before you head to the bar.

Bars are one of several places where you can buy beer in Pennsylvania. The others include beer distributors, bottle shops, grocery and convenience stores, and breweries. However, the amount of beer that bars are permitted to sell you will depend on the type of license they have.

Bars with the appropriate license can sell you up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per transaction (the equivalent of 12 16-ounce cans). If you want to buy more, you'll need to make another transaction. You can drink the beer at the bar or take it to go.

Licensed breweries can also sell you beer to drink there or take away, or products from other Pennsylvania-licensed producers to drink there.

Beer Distributors

Beer distributors have the fewest restrictions on beer sales. They can sell you kegs, cases, 12-packs, six-packs, single bottles, and growlers. However, all beer purchased from a distributor must be for "off-premise consumption," meaning you can't buy beer and drink it there too.

Other Places to Buy Beer

Bottle shops, grocery and convenience stores, and other places can get a license to sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per transaction, with the same "off-premise consumption" rule as distributors.

Some grocery stores have also started to sell alcohol within attached restaurants, but only under very specific conditions. The restaurant must be physically separated from the supermarket, have a separate cashier, and have seating for at least 30 patrons.

A few convenience store chains, such as Royal Farms, Rutter's, Sheetz, Turkey Hill, and Wawa, sell beer and wine at select locations.

Pennsylvania's Liquor Laws

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are complex and restrictive, with a focus on making the purchase of alcoholic beverages as "inconvenient and expensive as possible." The state has a monopoly over wine and spirits sales, and you can only buy these at state-owned Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores or directly from Pennsylvania distilleries.

The state's liquor laws can be traced back to the Prohibition era and the end of Prohibition in 1933. Then-Governor Gifford Pinchot, a teetotaler, wanted to "discourage the purchase of alcoholic beverages." Pinchot established the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, which still exists today and is responsible for licensing establishments, setting serving hours, and regulating prices.

While the laws have loosened slightly in recent years, making it a little easier to buy alcohol, Pennsylvania's liquor laws remain among the most frustrating and restrictive in the nation.

Buying beer at convenience stores

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously confusing, so it's no surprise that buying beer at convenience stores is a little more complicated than just walking in and grabbing a six-pack. Here's what you need to know:

First of all, not all convenience stores in Pennsylvania sell beer. The laws around this vary depending on the county and local regulations, but generally, only certain licensed retailers are allowed to sell beer, and they must follow specific quantity restrictions.

If you're looking to buy beer at a convenience store, your best bet is to look for larger chain convenience stores such as Royal Farms, Rutter's, Sheetz, Turkey Hill, or Wawa. These stores have been approved to sell beer and wine at select locations. However, it's important to note that not all locations within these chains may offer beer, and the selection may vary.

When purchasing beer from a convenience store in Pennsylvania, you are limited to buying up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per transaction, which is equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans or a 12-pack and a 6-pack. If you want to buy more, you'll have to make multiple transactions or head to a beer distributor, which typically offers larger quantities like cases and kegs.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the laws around beer sales in Pennsylvania have been evolving. In 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed Act 39, which loosened restrictions on beer sales and allowed for expanded hours for alcohol sales. This act also enabled supermarkets to sell alcohol within attached restaurants under specific conditions, such as having a separate cashier and seating for at least 30 patrons. So, when buying beer at convenience stores, it's always a good idea to stay updated on the latest laws and regulations.

Lastly, it's important to remember that you must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol in Pennsylvania. So, make sure to carry a valid ID when heading out to buy beer, as the stores are required to check for proof of age.

Frequently asked questions