Liquor Control

This bill designates rye whiskey as the official state spirit of Pennsylvania, recognizing its historical significance to the region's distilling tradition. The legislation formally acknowledges Pennsylvania's early role in American whiskey production and supports the state's current craft distilling industry. By establishing rye whiskey as an official state symbol, the bill aims to highlight local agricultural contributions and promote small business craftsmanship. The change takes effect immediately upon passage.

This bill designates rye whiskey as the official state spirit of Pennsylvania to honor its historical significance and support the local distilling industry. The legislation formally recognizes the beverage's role in the state's heritage and its contribution to agriculture and small businesses. It takes effect immediately upon passage without requiring additional regulatory changes.

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to allow hotel, restaurant, and airport liquor licensees to sell alcohol on Sundays. Hotel and restaurant owners would be permitted to sell between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Monday, while airport restaurant owners could sell between 5 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Monday. To operate under these new hours, licensees must purchase a special permit from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and pay an annual fee. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to allow specific licensees, such as hotels and restaurants, to sell alcohol earlier on weekends and to establish a new system for event permits. Under the new rules, eligible businesses can apply for a permit to sell alcohol starting at 6 a.m. on the day of an event, with specific time restrictions depending on whether the event occurs on a weekend or weekday. To obtain these permits, licensees must apply at least 60 days in advance, pay a $500 annual fee, and adhere to limits of ten permits per year with a six-day gap between events.

This bill creates a new licensing category called the "Philadelphia 250 Permit" for alcohol establishments in Philadelphia and other municipalities that choose to participate. To qualify, businesses such as restaurants and breweries must pay a $500 fee, complete a specific nighttime safety training program, and have their application details posted online. Local governments have the authority to object to individual permit applications, and the state board can revoke a permit immediately if a business operates outside its approved scope. The legislation establishes these rules within the existing Liquor Code and allows participating cities to adopt ordinances to enable the program.