The alcohol laws of Pennsylvania contain many peculiarities not found in other states, and are considered some of the strictest regulations in the United States.
Video Alcohol laws of Pennsylvania
Alcohol sales
For consumption off-premises
Pennsylvania is an alcoholic beverage control state. Spirits are to be sold only in the state owned Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores, which also sell wine, but not beer. Prices are generally the same throughout the state, but state stores may offer special discounts and sales, and county sales tax may cause the price to differ slightly. People under the age of 21 are allowed to enter Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores, contrary to popular belief, but only if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Monday through Saturday, a store may open as early as 9 am and close as late as 10 pm. On Sunday, many stores sell liquor from 11 am until 7 pm.
Wineries are common throughout the Commonwealth, and often sell their wines at storefronts in shopping malls; persons under the age of 21 are permitted to enter these establishments. Wine was available for a short time in supermarket kiosks, but this practice has ended. Many supermarkets now operate restaurants at which they are permitted to sell small quantities of wine (see below).
Beer may only be purchased in large quantities from a distributor. Beer distributors mainly sell kegs of beer and cases. A beer distributor is also allowed to sell any package intended for resale by a PLCB-approved brewery containing any variety of bottle/can arrangements greater than or equal to 128 ounces. Beverage distributors (which also sell soft drinks) may sell beer and malt liquor, but not wine or hard liquor. People under 21 may enter most beverage distributors without an adult, since most distributors also sell water, soda, ice, tobacco products, and some snack foods. They are subject to the rules of the individual establishment.
The hours of operation of beer distributors are typically similar to that of Wine and Spirits stores and other retail establishments. These hours are only restricted by the state on Sundays, where a special license is required to sell beer, and sales before 11 am are not permitted. Although state law permits late-night beer distributors, local authorities can place additional restrictions, and stores typically close before 10 pm.
Beer and wine in small quantities may be purchased from a restaurant, bar, or licensed retailer. These establishments may sell six and twelve packs of beer, along with individual bottles such as 40 ounce or 24 ounce beers. Their licenses permit them to sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per purchase. They may also sell up to 4 bottles of wine per purchase.
Some supermarkets, including Wegmans, Giant Eagle, Giant, and Weis, have begun to sell alcohol within restaurants attached to the main supermarket building, but only under very specific conditions (the restaurant must have a defined separation from the rest of the supermarket, a separate cashier, and seating for at least 30 patrons). Supermarket chain ShopRite has begun to attach Wine and Spirits stores to its stores. For a time, Sheetz obtained a liquor license for a restaurant attached to one of its convenience stores in Altoona. After several debates, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled that the store must sell beer to in-house customers as well as take-out. The 17th Street store now again sells beer and allows limited in store consumption.
For consumption on-premises
Closing time for restaurants and bars in Pennsylvania is 2 am and for private clubs is 3 am.
Attempts to privatize
Pennsylvania state lawmakers have attempted to privatize the sales of wine and spirits in the commonwealth. The state has had a monopoly over the sales of wine and spirits since the repeal of Prohibition. In the 2011 legislative session, the privatization of sales of wine and spirits was the focus of some controversy. This controversy is due to the budget deficit that the commonwealth faces. Supporters of the bill argue that sales taxes and license sales could generate nearly $1 billion worth of revenue for the state.
In the 2012 session, House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, with the backing of Governor Tom Corbett, announced a plan to issue 1,600 new liquor store licenses and auction the 600-plus liquor stores currently owned by the state. Stores would be allowed to sell beer in any configuration and without limit. Supporters say it could raise as much as $1.6 billion for the state. Opponents say that the proposed pricing would make it difficult for mom-and-pop stores to afford such licenses. Major opponents include the liquor store clerks union and the Pennsylvania Beer Alliance.
Maps Alcohol laws of Pennsylvania
Drinking age
The minimum drinking age in Pennsylvania is 21 years. Minors are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol, even if it is furnished by the minor's immediate family. Persons over the age of 18 are permitted to serve alcohol, so an exception is made in the possession portion of the law in this respect. Many states have exceptions for consuming alcohol made for religious or medicinal purposes, but Pennsylvania does not have exceptions for either.
A person under the age of 21 may also be arrested, charged, and convicted of underage drinking through constructive possession, even if they had not consumed any alcohol, simply by being in the presence of alcohol. This is mainly exercised when officials break up large parties or other events where alcohol is being consumed and the issuance of chemical tests to every individual is deemed impractical.
Drunk driving
Driving, operating, or being in actual physical control of the movement of vehicle under the influence is a crime in Pennsylvania, and is subject to a great number of regulations outside of the state's alcohol laws. Pennsylvania's maximum blood alcohol level for driving is 0.08% for persons at or over the age of 21 (with suspension of license on the first offense), and 0.04% for a person operating a commercial vehicle (0.02% for a school bus) with revoking of the license on the first offense. For those under 21, Pennsylvania follows a "zero tolerance" policy, meaning that any BAC over 0.02% is enough to warrant a DUI (the small allowance is for certain medicinal purposes such as some cold medicines that contain alcohol). Penalties include fines, license suspension, and possible imprisonment.
See also
- Sumptuary law
- Allegheny County Alcoholic Beverage Tax
- Law of Pennsylvania
References
Source of article : Wikipedia
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