New permits to allow off-site alcohol sales

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Restaurants and caterers can sell alcohol at an unlimited number of catering events thanks to new legislation that creates Off-Premises Catering Permits. 

The move will help the hospitality industry make up for losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, industry leaders said. 

The Off-Premises Catering Permit, separate from a catering or liquor license, allows restaurant, hotel, and eating place licensees to sell alcohol outside their regular premises.  

Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association President and CEO Joe Massaro, along with stakeholders from the catering and restaurant industries, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro and Rep. Napoleon Nelson (D-Montgomery County) Monday for a ceremonial bill signing of Act 51 of 2023, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. 

Shapiro signed Nelson’s House Bill 1160, which will permanently allow Pennsylvania liquor licensees the freedom to provide services for catered functions using the permits, formally on December 14, 2023. The legislation was enacted as Act 51 of 2023. 

“At a time when many businesses in the hospitality industry are struggling with inflationary pressures, Act 51 is welcome and uplifting news. We applaud Rep. Napoleon Nelson and Gov. Josh Shapiro for their leadership in moving this important issue forward,” Massaro said. “Act 51 will undoubtedly give restaurants, caterers, and all eligible licensees the opportunity to grow their business by expanding their services to more customers, while also increasing revenue for the Commonwealth. This is a win for the industry, for consumers, and for Pennsylvania.” 

Nelson said he is “thrilled” to have worked with PRLA and the broader hospitality industry to identify and advance legislation that helps make Pennsylvania’s liquor laws more practical for PA businesses and consumers. 

“I’m hopeful that Act 51 will help caterers, restaurants, and other licensees grow, expand services, and ultimately bring in more revenue for the Commonwealth,” Nelson said 

Act 81 of 2021, enacted in response to the pandemic, previously allowed licensees to host an unlimited number of catered functions until the end of 2024, removing the previous cap of 52 events annually.   

Making this provision permanent ahead of the sunset date in 2024 allows small businesses to better plan for future events, some of which are booked years in advance, Massaro said. 

“This legislation supports our local businesses as they continue recovering from the pandemic, and also puts a long-term tool in place for a more vibrant path forward for businesses, all while generating additional tax revenue for the Commonwealth and promoting responsible alcohol sales at catered events,” Nelson said.