The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has voted to allow gas stations to sell six-packs at nine different businesses that submitted applications. Governor Wolf has asked the board to approve future applications.
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In a letter to the PLCB, Gov. Wolf wrote: “Allowing malt or brewed beverages to be sold at gas stations under appropriate circumstances is an important step toward our shared goal of “freeing the six-pack” and increasing convenience and improving customer satisfaction for all Pennsylvanians”.
A Liquor Control Board spokeswoman says the agency has licensed more than 300 grocery and convenience stores to sell beer.
The move is the latest in a series of approvals by the PLCB that make the state’s beer sale regulations more in line with codes in other states.
In recent years, the PLCB has begun allowing some grocery stores to sell six-packs – as long as they have separate entrances, serve hot food and have enough seating to qualify as a “restaurant” under the board’s licensing structure.
The Pennsylvania liquor code forbids licenses at places where gasoline is sold.
One local convenience store, Rutter’s in Upper Leacock Township, could be the first to sell beer in Lancaster County.
PLCB officials said dozens of beer licensees also sell gas.
Wolf noted that state law now prohibits beer and gasoline sales at the same location, though exceptions have been made for some businesses that have been able to sell both on the same property while separating the transactions.
Chairman Tim Holden said he wanted to wait until the state supreme court made a decision, but now acknowledges it may be a while before that happens.
A state law that prohibits businesses from selling both beer and gasoline is being fought over in court.
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Over the past few days, the Governor and his team have advocated for the sale of malt and brewed beverages at the commonwealth’s gas stations.
