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Gov. Josh Shapiro said the new permit applications protect Pennsylvania taxpayers and support state workers. PHOTO/PACAST
Ready-to-drink cocktails soon available at various Pa. locations
Pennsylvania adults can soon obtain ready-to-drink cocktails, some of them made in the commonwealth, at grocery stores, gas stations, etc.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) announced that beginning today it is accepting applications for ready-to-drink cocktail permits. The PLCB is accepting applications from retail liquor licensees and distributors and importing distributors of malt and brewed beverages for ready-to-drink cocktail (RTDC) permits.
Legislation creating this new permit was signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro as part of the 2024-25 bipartisan budget.
“Thanks to our bipartisan budget, you will soon be able to go get ready-to-drink cocktails – some made right here in Pennsylvania – at places like grocery stores and gas stations,” Shapiro said Monday in a statement. “Today’s announcement opening the new permit applications means we’re one step closer to making that a reality. This is what real freedom looks like, and we did it in a way that protects taxpayers and supports our state workers.”
Act 86 created a new RTDC permit authorizing permittees to sell spirits-based RTDC ranging from 0.5% alcohol beverage by volume (ABV) to 12.5% ABV in original containers up to 16 ounces for off-premises consumption. According to a release, RTDC permits will be available to retail liquor licensees eligible for wine expanded permits – restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and convenience stores – and to distributors and importing distributors of malt and brewed beverages.
Licensees interested in applying for an RTDC permit can do so via the PLCB’s online licensing and regulatory platform. The initial application fee for a RTDC permit is $2,500 per establishment. The annual renewal fee is 2% of the cost of RTDC purchased for off-premises consumption.
The PLCB, which regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, will begin granting licensees the authority to sell RTDC on Sept. 16 when the new law takes effect. The PLCB will review applications to issue RTDC permit authority for early qualifying applicants beginning Sept. 16.
