Governor Josh Shapiro has signed a couple of bills into law changing some regulations about liquor.
Act 57 of 2024 extends happy hours in Pennsylvania beginning September 13th. Earlier this month, the House and Senate passed a bill to nearly double the weekly limit for bars to have a happy hour from 14 hours to 24 hours. This law also allows bars and restaurants to provide more discount offerings on food and drink combinations. The law aims to help bars and restaurants that are struggling since the pandemic.
Act 86 of 2024 expands the network of retailers allowed to sell ready-to-drink cocktails to go. The new permit will authorize holders to sell drinks ranging from .5% alcohol by volume to 12.5% in containers of up to 16 ounces. Distributors as well as businesses eligible for win expanded permits like restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and convenience stores will be eligible for the cocktails to go permits. Applications for permits and regulations are still being developed. This law goes into effect September 16th.