Pennsylvania’s historic liquor reform package went into effect Monday.
The new bi-partisan law is being heralded by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf’s office as showing “government that works.”
Here’s what the bill includes:
- State stores will no longer have restricted hours and be closed on state holidays
- More stores will be able to open for business on Sundays (currently, nearly 75 percent of the 600 locations are closed on Sunday)
- Casinos can sell beer, liquor and wine 24/7, and beer, liquor and wine can be served for free at certain events (with a speical $1 million license)
- Grocery stores currently selling beer will be authorized to sell up to four bottles of wine for take-out
- Eateries and hotels with permission can sell up to four bottles of wine for take-out
- State stores will install self-service lottery ticket machines
- Gas stations that apply for a special license will be able to sell six-packs
- State stores are able to offer coupons, special sales and loyalty programs
- Wineries across the globe can apply for a $250 direct shipment license that permits them to ship up to 36 cases of wine to a customer in one year
Some of the programs will take several months to implement due to set up and the license approval process.
Lawmakers hope the new law brings nearly $150 million into the state coffers, according to the Allentown Morning Call.
