Pennsylvania Passes Bill to Allow Convenience Stores to Sell Wine

The measure also lets grocery stores, restaurants and hotels sell up to four bottles of wine to go.

June 09, 2016

HARRISBURG – In a few short months, Pennsylvania residents could be able to purchase a bottle of wine at a convenience store, supermarket, hotel or restaurant, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. This week, the House finally okayed the measure, which had passed the Senate late in 2015. Now it lands on Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk.

The bill specifically allows hotels and restaurants, along with convenience stores and supermarkets already licensed to sell beer, to sell up to four bottles of wine to go. The measure also lets wine importers and producers ship directly to consumers.

Wolf referred to the proposal as “historic liquor modernization legislation that provides greater customer convenience to the people of Pennsylvania.” However, the governor did not indicate whether or not he will sign it. “Once the bill reaches my desk, I will conduct a final review of the legislation to ensure it meets my goals of enhancing the customer experience, increasing much-needed revenue to help balance our budget, and bringing our wine and spirits system into the 21st century,” he said.

In late May, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board “freed the six-pack” in gasoline stations and convenience stores by approving nine applications permitting businesses with appropriate protections to sell up to 192 ounces of malt or brewed beverages. “‘Freeing the six-pack’ will make the Commonwealth more inviting for customers and businesses,” said Wolf.

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