Penn. Gov. approves bill for Sunday beer sales

Modern Brewery Age, July 11, 2005

Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell has signed Senate Bill 462 into law, allowing distributors in the state to sell beer and malted beverages from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

"By modernizing this law allowing beer sales at distributors on Sunday, we will create opportunities for business growth, while mirroring the beer sales practices of other states," Rendell said. "The bill enables distributors to open for business for the first time on Sunday and meets the demands of consumers who have long supported change."

The bill also provides for first class cities to license hotels, restaurants and retail stores for the sale of alcohol. Applicants must include the verification of a city permit to sell malt or brewed beverages.

The bill protects restaurant owners by providing a 10 percent discount for wholesale liquor sales to LCB licensees. The bill requires all applicants in cities of the first class, after Oct. 1, 2005, to include as part of their application verification from the city that they have been approved for a permit to sell malt or brewed beverages.

The bill permits importing distributors or distributors to accept payment in the form of money orders or cashier's check from anyone possessing a retail license.

The bill passed the Senate 41-6 and the State House of Representatives amended 139-55. The Senate concurred 39-11. The law goes into effect in 60 days.