HARRISBURG, PA — In July, Governor Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 829 and Senate Bill 688 into law, now known as Acts 57 and 86 of 2024. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) has outlined the changes, which include expanding the sale of ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDC) to various retail outlets.
New Opportunities for Retailers
Under Act 86, a new RTDC permit allows restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, convenience stores, beer distributors, and other retail liquor licensees to sell spirits-based RTDCs ranging from 0.5% to 12.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). These drinks can be sold in original containers up to 16 ounces for off-premises consumption.
Retail RTDC permit holders can sell up to 192 fluid ounces of RTDC per transaction. This is in addition to the same quantity of brewed or malt beverages and up to 3 liters of wine. Distributors and importing distributors can offer RTDC samples and sell them in any quantity to retail customers, although they are prohibited from selling wine or other spirits.
Comprehensive Catalogue and Local Production
The PLCB has a catalogue of over 100 RTDCs. Permit holders cannot use Special Orders for RTDC sales but can request new RTDCs through regular product listing processes. Pennsylvania manufacturers producing RTDCs can sell directly to retail customers and permit holders at competitive prices.
Implementation Timeline
The PLCB is developing the necessary permits, applications, and regulatory processes for these changes, which become effective on September 16, 2024.
Additional Reforms Under Act 57
Act 57 extends happy hours for qualifying retail liquor licensees from 14 to 24 hours per week. It also allows distributors and importing distributors to offer case discounts to both licensees and retail customers, while limited wineries can offer discounts to retail customers only.
The law makes permanent the Board’s authority to issue immediate operating authority for outdoor temporary extensions of premises. Pennsylvania breweries and distilleries can now remain open until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day and pay a fee to stay open until 2 a.m. one additional day each year.
Operational Improvements
Other reforms include treating club licenses like other licenses for safekeeping purposes and allowing the use of extended hours food permits. The PLCB can offer financial incentives for large-volume licensees to use trailer-drop fulfillment at the PLCB’s distribution centers, effective September 16.
These legislative changes aim to modernize Pennsylvania’s liquor laws, expanding consumer choice while supporting local businesses and manufacturers.
Through Acts 57 and 86, Pennsylvania is set to enhance its liquor sales landscape, benefiting consumers and retailers alike.
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