Alcohol laws of Pennsylvania
While Pinchot eventually came around to the idea of repeal, he believed strongly that the best way to prevent corruption in the alcohol industry was through state control.
[4] The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board was created to license establishments, set serving hours, and regulate prices.
A peculiarity not found in many other states is that brewed or malt beverages can be sold for off-premises consumption in quantities less than or equal to 192 ounces (generally 6-packs and 12-packs of beer).
People under the age of 21 are allowed to enter Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, contrary to popular belief, but only if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
[11] Wineries are common throughout the Commonwealth, and often sell their wines at storefronts in shopping malls; persons under the age of 21 are permitted to enter these establishments.
The hours of operation of beer distributors are typically similar to that of Wine and Spirits stores and other retail establishments.
These hours are only restricted by the state on Sundays, where a special license is required to sell beer, and sales before 9 am are not permitted.
[14] Although state law permits late-night beer distributors, local authorities can place additional restrictions, and stores typically close before 10 pm.
Several convenience store chains such as Royal Farms, Rutter's, Sheetz, Turkey Hill, and Wawa sell beer and wine at select locations.
[18] After several debates, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled that the store must sell beer to in-house customers as well as take-out.
[20] In 2015, a Wawa convenience store location in Chadds Ford was given approval to sell beer as part of a pilot.
[21] Governor Tom Wolf signed Act 39 into law on June 8, 2016, which allowed for wine sales at supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels.
As is often the case in states with similarly restrictive drinking laws, there exists a small exception for religious reasons.
[26] Persons over the age of 18 are permitted to serve alcohol, so an exception is also made in the possession portion of the law in this respect.
This is mainly exercised when officials break up large parties or other events where alcohol is being consumed and the issuance of chemical tests to every individual is deemed impractical.
