Governor Shapiro signed bipartisan legislation earlier this summer allowing for the sale of ready-to-drink cocktails at places like grocery stores and gas stations starting September 16th.
Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) today announced it will begin accepting applications from retail liquor licensees and distributors and importing distributors of malt and brewed beverages for ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDC) permits tomorrow, Tuesday, August 27. Governor Shapiro signed legislation creating this new permit as part of the 2024-25 budget.
“Thanks to our bipartisan budget, you will soon be able to go get ready-to-drink cocktails – some made right here in Pennsylvania – at places like grocery stores and gas stations," said Governor Shapiro. “Today's announcement opening the new permit applications means we're one step closer to making that a reality. This is what real freedom looks like, and we did it in a way that protects taxpayers and supports our state workers."
Act 86 of 2024 created a new RTDC permit, which will authorize permittees to sell spirits-based RTDC ranging from 0.5% alcohol beverage by volume (ABV) to 12.5% ABV in original containers up to 16 ounces for off-premises consumption (to go).
RTDC permits will be available to retail liquor licensees eligible for wine expanded permits (restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.) and to distributors and importing distributors of malt and brewed beverages, all of which must be certified in the Responsible Alcohol Management Program.
The PLCB cannot grant licensees the authority to sell RTDC until Monday, September 16, the day the new law takes effect. Between now and September 16, the PLCB will review hundreds to thousands of expected applications, aiming to issue RTDC permit authority for early qualifying applicants beginning on September 16.
The initial application fee for a RTDC permit is $2,500 per establishment, and the annual renewal fee is 2% of the cost of RTDC purchased for off-premises consumption, whether purchased from the PLCB or licensed Pennsylvania manufacturers.
Licensees interested in applying for a RTDC permit can do so through PLCB+, the PLCB's online licensing and regulatory platform.
The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates about 600 wine and spirits stores statewide, and licenses 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. The PLCB also works to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups, and licensees. Taxes and store profits – totaling nearly $20.3 billion since the agency's inception – are returned to Pennsylvania's General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania's schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, among other important public services. The PLCB also provides financial support for the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, other state agencies, and local municipalities across the state. For more information about the PLCB, visit lcb.pa.gov.
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