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Pennsylvania is known for its stringent liquor laws, but that couldn’t stop the surge of support behind this pandemic-inspired change:

To-go cocktails are now temporarily legal across the commonwealth.

Governor Tom Wolf signed the bill to make it happen on Friday, May 22. The PLCB issued some guidance on what is now known as Act 21 of 2020. (See end of article for the agency’s FAQ.)

Restaurants and bars have been eagerly awaiting the move, which they see as a lifeline.

The pandemic has created nightmare scenarios for the hospitality industry, with at least 80% of Pa. restaurant workers out of a job. Many establishments count on booze for the majority of their profit. But for the first few months of the pandemic in Pa., when they’ve been forced to offer takeout only, they’ve only been allowed to sell beer and wine along with food.

Industry association PRLA, which has been lobbying for the bill, published an easy guide for restaurants and bars to follow to make sure they’re in compliance.

For now, the new law only applies during Pa.’s current disaster emergency. There are a few limitations, including:

Containers must be “sealed,” which could be as simple as a soda cup top with the hole taped over
Size must be no smaller than 4 oz. and no larger than 64 oz.
Drinks sold this way must be “combined on a licensed premise,” which ostensibly means no shots
Establishments must already hold an “R” (restaurant) or “H” (hotel) liquor license (i.e. no private clubs) and must have lost more than 25% of their average monthly sales due to the pandemic
“Meals” must also be available for takeaway, so some dive bars might have to up their food game
Sales must begin no earlier than 7 a.m. (or 9 a.m. on Sundays), and must stop at 11 p.m.
Drinks to-go are for pickup only — they may not be delivered

There are a few rules for customers, too. You have to be 21, obviously, and you’re not allowed to consume the drinks on the spot after pickup; you have to take them home. There is no limit to the number of drinks you can buy at once, however, and you don’t have to buy food at the same time.

Few pieces of Pennsylvania booze-related legislation moved as quickly as this one. The Pa. House passed the bill on April 29 with an overwhelming vote of 193 to 9, and the Pa. Senate followed with unanimous passage exactly two weeks later. It took Gov. Wolf another two weeks to give it his stamp of approval.

Bars offering to-go cocktails in Philly

Here’s an alphabetical list of establishments offering cocktails to go.

Know another spot or want to add yours? Send us an email.

LCB guidance on Act 21 of 2020