Residents can now purchase ready-to-drink cocktails at grocery stores and gas stations across the state.
Ready-to-drink cocktails are a booming market in Pennsylvania, with some analysts projecting the state to earn $35 million a year in related revenue by the 2028-29 fiscal year.
As of this Monday, Pennsylvania’s latest alcohol legislation allows the sale of canned cocktails and hard seltzers at grocery stores and gas stations. Previously, these beverages were only available in state liquor stores.
The bipartisan bill, signed by Governor Josh Shapiro in August, aims to enhance consumer choice and convenience.
“By working together—uniting Democrats and Republicans—we’ve made strides toward real freedom in Pennsylvania,” Shapiro shared on social media this week.
Following the enactment of the law, businesses were invited to apply for permits to sell ready-to-drink cocktails. Approved grocery stores and gas stations can now offer alcoholic drinks with an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from 0.5% to 12.5%, packaged in original containers of up to 16 ounces for takeout.
According to the PA.Gov press release, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) has received 1,595 RTDC applications and issued 1,416 permits to date. The PLCB will continue to review and approve permits as they are received. Licensees interested in applying for a RTDC permit can do so through PLCB+.
Governor Shapiro and other legislative leaders stopped by a Rutter’s near Harrisburg, and he notably forgot his ID and was unable to make an inaugural purchase of the alcohol.
