It’s no secret, there’s so many reasons to love the Keystone State. However, our archaic liquor laws is not one of them. Luckily for us, things are changing, specifically happy hour laws in Pa. Effective Friday September 13th, 2024, bars and restaurants are allowed to extend the times they offer happy hour. Sweet!
New happy hours laws for Pa.
Happy hour just got a whole lot happier in Philadelphia thanks to new happy hour laws. In July, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law House Bill 829 which became effective officially September 13th, 2024.
Under HB 829, the number of happy hours a bar can host per week has increased from 14 to 24 hours. Specifically, this law allows establishments with the proper liquor licenses under the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to offer food and drink combos. Additionally, it allows these establishments to include up to two drinks in the cost of a ticket for self-sponsored events.
“This part of HB 829 provides a new tool for bar owners to use within marketing efforts by combining food and adult drink combos at a discount for patrons,” said Chuck Moran, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association.
A look ahead
Important to note, it will be up to the establishment whether or not they choose to extend happy hour times throughout Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.“The creative bar owner can take advantage of these extra hours to pull in new customers,” Moran said. “They can test it and see if it’s for them. It’s not going to be for everybody — that’s for sure.”
For patrons who prefer their cocktails to go, Gov. Shapiro also signed into law new legislation that will allow grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and malt and brewed retailers to sell ready-t0-go cocktails like Surfside and High Noon. Previously, such cocktails were only available at state-run Wine & Spirits stores.
Cheers Philly!