Pennsylvania Beer Distributors Can Now Sell Six-Packs

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Attention beer-enthusiasts -- you now have more places to buy your favorite beer!

On Tuesday, Gov. Tom Wolf signed HB 1196 allowing six-packs to be sold at beer distributors.

"Pennsylvanians have waited decades to bring their beer and liquor systems into the 21st century," said Wolf. "I'm proud today to sign this bill, supported by Republicans and Democrats alike, to ensure that the commonwealth is more inviting for customers and businesses."

This law will create additional customer convenience by:
·   Allowing distributor licensees to sell malt or brewed beverages in any amount to an unlicensed customer for off-premises consumption. The sales do not be in the manufacturer's original configuration and can be sold in refillable growlers that can be resealed.
·   Allowing retail licensees to start selling on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. instead of 11:00 a.m.
·   Allowing a person licensed by another state to apply for a "malt or brewed beverage shipper license," which allows the direct shipment of 192 ounces of beer to be delivered to a customer per month; however, only 96 ounces of a specific brand of beer may be shipped per year to an adult resident.
·   Allowing beer and liquor to be sold (in shatterproof containers) before, during and after professional and amateur athletic events and consumed outside the club seating and restaurant area, as can be done at performing arts events or other entertainment events.
·   Clarifies that a brewery does not need a brewery pub license to sell the products of other licensed breweries, limited wineries, limited distilleries and distilleries.

The new law follows the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's May approval that allowed certain gas stations with appropriate accommodations to sell six-packs.