By Christen Smith of The Center Square
Republished by Travels With The Post
(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania grocery stores, gas stations, and beer distributors began stocking canned cocktails Monday (Sept. 16, 2024).
The development comes two months after the Legislature repealed a provision that limited sales to state-owned liquor stores. Critics said the rule made little sense, given that ready-to-drink cocktails – also called “RTDs” – have an alcohol content similar to beer and wine.
Pennsylvania is among a handful of states where, since the prohibition era, the state government controls liquor sales entirely. In recent years, a steady effort to deregulate the industry has included beer and wine spreading to the shelves of privately-owned stores and restaurants.
‘An exciting time for Pennsylvanians’
Andy Deloney, senior vice president of state government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, said Monday it’s “an exciting time” for Pennsylvanians.
“Allowing these low-alcohol spirits products to be sold alongside beer and wine just makes sense,” he said. “We are grateful for the support of the General Assembly, as well as the governor, in our efforts to make this a reality in the Commonwealth.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro and state Sen. Mike Regan of Dillsburg visited a Rutters gas station Tuesday (Sept. 17) in Duncannon PA to promote the new law. Expanded sales of RTDs are anticipated to generate $145 million for the state during the next five years.
Regan, the bill’s sponsor, said in July that although the change was “monumental,” it was not without compromise.
“This is in no way the most cost-effective or efficient way of getting RTDs on the shelves of retailers,” he said. “That part has been left out, because the unbreakable union entanglement in liquor issues has once again unnecessarily put self-interest above all else.”
Photo by Drew Tilk on Unsplash, used by Travels With The Post under license
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