Pennsylvania moved closer toward selling beer in convenience stores and gas stations as Gov. Tom Wolf pushed to “Free the Six Pack.”
Wolf praised the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for “freeing the six-pack” in gas stations by approving nine applications permitting businesses with appropriate protections to sell up to 192 ounces of malt or brewed beverages.
The locations are in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Wawa reached an agreement with township officials to sell beer at a store near the Delaware line. However, it remained unclear as to whether sales had been approved by the Liquor Control Board or if the convenience store chain was moving forward.
Sheetz, another large operator, has long advocated selling beer in its convenience store/gas stations.
Along the Route 202 area near the Delaware line also has Acme and Wegmans stores that sell beer. The Keystone State does require that establishments selling beer have a sit-down dining area.
“’Freeing the six-pack’ will make the commonwealth more inviting for customers and businesses,” said Wolf. “I applaud the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for approving these applications and respectfully ask that they approve similar subsequent applications that otherwise meet PLCB standards in order to improve customer service and convenience for Pennsylvania.”
Owners of smaller Delaware liquor stores have been worried about customers staying in Pennsylvania and not making the trek south. Delaware still has two massive liquor stores in Claymont that are a convenient location for Pennsylvania customers.
The commonwealth still has high alcohol beverage taxes, but in addition to moving toward convenience store sales, Pennsylvania cut the minium purchase of beer from a case of 24 to a 12-pack at its privately owned beer-only stores.
Wine and spirits are sold at state-owned stores.
So far, there has been no move to add grocery or convenience stores to locations for beer sales, a practice common in many states.
