Law allows temporary sales of cocktails-to-go

Gov. Tom Wolf signed House Bill 327, now known as Act 21 of 2020, into law last week, allowing the temporary sale of cocktails-to-go from bars, restaurants, or hotels with a liquor license.

The law applies to restaurants, bars, and hotels that have lost 25 percent of their average monthly total sales because of the COVID-19 emergency. These establishments will be permitted to sell before 11 p.m. beverages in containers with a secure lid in quantities from 4 oz. to 64 oz.

The law takes effect immediately and expires after the disaster emergency ends and a business reaches 60 percent capacity.

“This new temporary rule creates more business for bars and restaurants when they need it, helps to meet customer demand, and supports social distancing,” Wolf said. “As we approach the holiday weekend, I encourage all Pennsylvanians to remember to drink responsibly.”

Starting on Friday, 50 more Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores were permitted to open statewide, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board said, bringing the total to 283 in 48 counties.

The stores must follow several guidelines, including limiting the number of customers in a store at one time and reserving the first hour of each business for customers at high risk for COVID-19.