Break Open the Bottle! PA Licensees Can Sell Mixed Drinks To Go

I wrote last week about House Bill 327 that would permit restaurant and hotel licensees to sell mixed drinks to go.  The Senate has now passed that bill, which is awaiting signature by the Governor.  All indications are that he will sign the bill into law.

With its passage, restaurant and hotel licensees may immediately begin selling mixed drinks containing liquor to go. 

This bill marks the first time the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) has allowed liquor to be sold to go by anyone other than the PLCB itself and distilleries who make their own product.  While no one expects this concession to make up for all of the lost revenues that many bars, restaurants and hotels have experienced through the COVID-19 pandemic, it should offer some help by allowing licensees another avenue to generate revenue.

I have to admit: I am excited to see the unique and creative ideas that licensees will come up with to promote specialty drinks, cocktail kits, and other products, which now can actually include the alcohol!

Aaron Zeamer is an attorney at Russell, Krafft & Gruber, LLP, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He practices in a variety of areas, including Business Law and Liquor License matters. Aaron works frequently with commercial real estate agents, brokers, restaurant and bar owners, breweries, distilleries, and wineries to facilitate the sale and transfer of PA liquor licenses.