Liquor Reform Bill Takes Effect Monday In Pennsylvania

Liquor reforms passed in June by Pennsylvania lawmakers take effect today, Aug. 8.

Reforms include:

• Grocery stores can sell up to four bottles of wine for takeout.
• Restaurants and hotels can sell up to four bottles of wine for takeout.
• Removal of Sunday restrictions and state-mandated holidays at state-controlled liquor stores
• Enhanced customer loyalty programs and opening up coupons at state stores
• Options for flexible pricing to allow state stores to offer special discounts and sales
• Direct shipments of wine sales permitted
• Gas stations’ ability to sell 6-packs now permanent

So what does it mean for you in the short term?

Don't expect to see wine bottles on the shelves at your local grocery store tomorrow. According to information from the governor's office, starting Monday, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board will begin accepting requests for various new licenses and permits allowed under the new legislation, known as Act 39.

Click here to learn about the various permits and licenses now available under the liquor reform bill.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board in a statement said it pledged its "cooperative commitment" to successful implementation of the measures. In June, it announced it would move "as quickly as possible" in establishing new licensing applications and processes for direct wine shipping, casino licenses and wine permits for hotel and restaurant licensees.

Lawmakers say the bill will modernize liquor sales in Pennsylvania.

The bill "is a tremendous leap into bringing Pennsylvanian into the 21st century,” House Speaker Mike Turzai, the prime sponsor of the legislation, said when it was passed in June. “This privatization bill will bring consumers the added choice and convenience they have been asking for since Prohibition.”

Photo: Morguefile