November 15, 2016
Charlie Neibergall/AP
The Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation that would enable beer distributors to sell beer in any volume, including six-packs and growlers.
UPDATE (3:43 p.m.): Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill Tuesday that allows six-packs to be sold at beer distributors in Pennsylvania.
“Pennsylvanians have waited decades to bring their beer and liquor systems into the 21st century,” Wolf said. “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.”
🎉 Governor Wolf just signed a bill that will allow six-packs to be sold at beer distributors! https://t.co/ck6NH5CK91 #FreeTheSixPack pic.twitter.com/Kxv5gySncv
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) November 15, 2016
The law will go into effect in 60 days.
Original story:
The Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation Oct. 24 that paves the way for beer distributors to sell malt and brewed beverages for off-site consumption in any amount.
That includes six-packs and growlers, an addition that will delight many consumers across the state.
The bill, which heads back to the House, also would permit manufacturers to ship up to 192 ounces of beer to consumers each month. Taxes would be calculated as if the purchase was made at the location of the delivery. A person 21-or-older must sign to receive the delivery.
The legislation follows other changes to Pennsylvania's liquor laws, which now permit grocery stores to sell wine and gas stations to sell six-packs of beer. Residents have praised the changes, but a Drexel University study cautioned that, in Washington, the increased privatization of alcohol led to more aggravated assault cases.
A spokesman for Gov. Tom Wolf, was noncommittal on whether the Democrat would sign the legislation if it reached his desk, according to The Associated Press.
This story was originally published on Oct. 25.
