As Pennsylvania embraces a more convenient approach to liquor sales, Governor Josh Shapiro made a public appearance yesterday at Rutter's in Duncannon, grabbing ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDC). The visit followed the commencement of sales at grocery stores, gas stations, and other retail liquor licensees as permitted under Act 86 of 2024, a piece of bipartisan legislation recently signed into law. Shapiro's casual drop-in was part of a concerted effort to inform Pennsylvanians about this newfound consumer convenience.
Pennsylvania's Liquor Control Board (PLCB) started taking permit applications on August 27 for the sales of RTDCs. These drinks have an alcohol content ranging between 0.5 percent and 12.5 percent by volume, and they're now available in original containers up to 16 ounces. In a statement obtained by the Governor's office, the PLCB has so far received 1,595 applications, issued 1,416 permits, and, continues to process new ones as they arrive.
Reacting to these developments, business owners have expressed their enthusiasm about the change. "Our stores have been a destination for beer and wine since 2011 and 2016, respectively, and we have heard from our customers about the convenience of being able to grab ready-to-drink cocktails while grocery shopping too," shared Rebecca Lupfer, senior vice president and chief merchant at The GIANT Company, according to a press release. She detailed that The GIANT Company would be expanding its offering, bringing canned cocktails to 138 stores across Pennsylvania.
Other proprietors echoed those sentiments. "It's income for the state, but if we make money and the state makes money, it's a win-win," Konstantine Pappas, owner of Rookie's Craft Burger Bar in Harrisburg, elucidated, highlighting the commercial and civic advantages of this legislative move. Andy Deloney, senior vice president of state government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, also championed the change, "For the first time ever, Pennsylvania's adult consumers can find their favorite spirits ready-to-drink cocktails alongside beer and wine products in grocery and convenience stores," he said, as reported by the Governor's office.
