A historic shift in the way Pennsylvanians buy beer — allowing beer distributors to sell six-packs, growlers and singles for mix-a-six packs — is now just a signature away.
The General Assembly finalized a bill late Wednesday night to send to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk as the two-year legislative voting session was winding down. Wolf is planning to sign the bill, he said this morning.
The beer-centric bill, which got rolling in the Senate at the beginning of the week, was in direct response to the new state law, known as Act 39.
That legislation, which took effect in August, largely left beer distributors out while many other retailers, including grocery and convenience stores, were allowed to sell takeout wine if they were already selling beer.
Beer distributors, who have been lobbying for expanded options including wine to stay competitive, have largely depended on case sales. Last year, smaller packaging options hit the shelves in beer distributors, with 12-packs being the lowest amount they could sell.
But this new effort maximizes sales flexibility for beer distributors.
House Bill 1196 also would allow out-of-state beer wholesalers and retailers to ship up to 192 ounces directly to consumers each month. And mixed drinks would be added at sporting venues that currently sell beer.
“I have worked hard with Republicans and Democrats in the General Assembly to modernize the sale of liquor, wine, and beer in Pennsylvania in order to bring the commonwealth’s wine and spirits system into the 21st century,” the governor said. “Following my administration’s successful efforts to free the six-pack at gas stations across the commonwealth and my work with Republicans and Democrats in the legislature to pass historic liquor reform, this legislation enhances the customer experience by providing greater convenience and satisfaction to the residents of Pennsylvania.”
