Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill that will allow Pennsylvanians to pick up cocktails from certain bars and restaurants amid the coronavirus lockdown.
Last week the Pennsylvania Senate voted 48-0 in favor of HB 327, a bill that allows taverns and licensed restaurants to sell mixed spirit drinks to go amid the coronavirus lockdown.
Wolf announced Thursday that he signed it. The law takes effect immediately.
"This new temporary rule creates more business for bars and restaurants when they need it, helps to meet customer demand and supports social distancing," Wolf said. "As we approach the holiday weekend, I encourage all Pennsylvanians to remember to drink responsibly."
The law applies to bars, restaurants and hotels that have lost 25 percent of average monthly total sales during the coronavirus pandemic. The beverage must be sold in containers with a secure lid in quantities from 4 oz. to 64 oz. before 11 p.m.
Another seal is also required on the straw opening of a lid. Within 60 days, participating bars and restaurants must also use a transaction device to verify a consumer's age if the person appears to be younger than 35 years of age.
The temporary rule will expire after the coronavirus lockdown ends and a business reaches 60 percent capacity. Pennsylvania's open container law also still applies.
“HB 327 would allow taverns and licensed restaurants to sell mixed spirit drinks to go with a few limitations for quantity, container, and time of day,” Chuck Moran, the Executive Director, Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association, wrote. “This gives establishments one more small revenue stream to help them survive.”
