The Senate recently passed House Bill 327, which would amend the liquor code to clarify the process for a referendum on whether to allow for the sale of liquor in municipalities during a primary, municipal or general election. The legislation now heads to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk for his signature.
“The passage of this bill, coupled with Act 48 enacted last year, streamlines the process for residents’ right to decide whether to permit alcohol sales in a municipality,” Rep. Perry Warren (D-Bucks), who introduced the bill, said.
The bill also includes a COVID-19 emergency provision. The provision allows licensed restaurants and hotels that have lost more than 25 percent of their average monthly sales during the pandemic to sell prepared beverages or mixed drinks for off-premise consumption during the disaster emergency and mitigation period.
The beverages would be sold in quantities ranging from 4 oz. to 64 oz.
“The passage of this bill is great news for Pennsylvania’s restaurant industry during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Warren added. “It enables our local restaurants selling food, beer and wine to add another product for curbside pickup and takeout during this crisis.”
The bill had bipartisan support.
Lower Makefield Township has a liquor referendum on the ballot June 2.