The Pennsylvania General Assembly has once again taken up the Herculean task of modernizing the commonwealth’s Liquor Code. While this summer’s Act 39 was focused on wine, Act 166, which Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law on Nov. 15, zeroes in on beer. Like Act 39, Act 166 brings the promise of more convenience and choice to Pennsylvania’s alcohol consumers as well as many new business opportunities both inside and outside the commonwealth.
The Six-Pack Has Been Freed
Act 166, which will go into effect on Jan. 14, 2017, has been dubbed the ”Six-Pack Law” because it allows beer distributors to sell beer “in any amount,” including six-packs or in refillable growlers, 47 P.S. Section 431(b). This change gives Pennsylvania consumers more choice and convenience by no longer forcing beer distributors to only sell by the case. It also allows distributors to compete on a more equal footing with grocery and convenience stores as well as bars and restaurants that have had the right to sell up to two six packs to-go as part and parcel of their license. The change should also assist craft brewers both inside and outside Pennsylvania, as the market for a six-pack of craft beer is much greater than the market for a case, given the relatively high price point.
Pennsylvania Manufacturers as The New Bars
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