PA Groceries, Convenience Stores To Begin Canned Cocktail Sales

PITTSBURGH, PA — Businesses in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania now can apply to sell ready-to-drink cocktails and begin obtaining sales licenses on Sept. 16. That's thanks to a new state law permitting restaurants, bars, beer distributors, grocery stores and convenience stores to sell canned cocktails.

According to state Sen. Mike Regan, R-Cumberland, who sponsored the bill signed into law last month by Gov. Josh Shapiro, 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 lead the spirits category in market growth and consumer demand.

The drinks will only be permitted to be sold before 11 p.m. They also must an alcohol content lower than 12.5 percent.

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.