May 24, 2016
If Gov. Tom Wolf has his way, Pennsylvanians soon will be able to purchase six packs of beer at their local gas station.
Wolf urged the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board on Tuesday to approve license applications from businesses seeking the ability to sell up to 192 ounces of malt or brewed beverages. The PLCB will consider 12 license applications at its Wednesday meeting.
"Doing so will make purchasing beer more convenient for Pennsylvanians and is consistent with recent precedent in the Commonwealth Court," Wolf wrote in a letter to the PLCB.
Exciting news for PA beer drinkers: Governor Wolf Calls on PLCB to #FreeTheSixPack. https://t.co/rmORg93w9m pic.twitter.com/C3wG0aaTOn
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) May 24, 2016
The Pennsylvania Liquor Code requires the board deny any liquor license applications submitted by any establishments that also sell liquid fuels or oil. But a Commonwealth Court recently affirmed the PLCB's interpretation that malt and brewed beverages can be sold on the same property – as long as the sales are separated.
The ruling, in Water Street Beverage, Ltd. vs. PLCB affirmed the board's decision to grant a license to Weis Cafe, which operates beer cafes in various grocery stores across Pennsylvania.
"I respectfully ask the PLCB to approve the license applications pending before the Board, as well as all subsequent similar applications, that involve the same factual circumstances approved by the Board and the Court with respect to Weis Café," Wolf wrote. "Allowing malt or brewed beverages to be sold at gas stations under appropriate circumstances is an important step toward our shared goal of 'freeing the six-pack' and increasing convenience and improving customer satisfaction for all Pennsylvanians."
