New PA Law Expands Where You Can Buy Hard Seltzer, Canned Cocktails

PENNSYLVANIA — The days of having to walk into a state-owned Fine Wine & Good Spirits store to pick up canned cocktails are officially over in Pennsylvania.

As of Monday, Sept. 16, ready-to-drink cocktails are available at retailers across the state.

In July, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a bipartisan bill into law that permits restaurants, bars, beer distributors, grocery stores and convenience stores to sell canned cocktails and certain hard seltzers. Businesses had to apply for a special permit to begin sales as early as Monday.

"We worked across the aisle — bringing Democrats and Republicans together — to advance real freedom here in PA," Shapiro said in a social media post.

Sales of these drinks are only permitted before 11 p.m. The beverages also must have an alcohol content lower than 12.5 percent and in their original containers — limited to 16 ounces.

The state is expected to bring in about $35 million annually in revenue from the drinks by the 2028-29 year, according to legislative analysts.

According to state Sen. Mike Regan, R-Cumberland, who sponsored the bill, ready-to-drink beverages have seen more than 43 percent growth in global consumption since 2020 and quickly have become one of the nation's trendiest drinks.

Liquor-based ready-to-drink beverages also lead the spirits category in market growth and consumer demand.

With reporting by Patch's Eric Heyl.