LEIGH ON SEA, ENGLAND – JANUARY 10: Various cans of alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages including Captain Morgan Rum and Cola, Bacardi MoJito, Archers and Lemonade, Malibu and Pineapple, Pina Colada Cocktail and Gordons Gin and Tonic are displayed for
PHILADELPHIA – Attention, Pennsylvania businesses! Starting Tuesday, you can apply for a permit to sell ready-to-drink cocktails, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) announced Monday.
Earlier this summer, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a bipartisan bill allowing the sale of ready-to-drink cocktails in grocery stores and gas stations starting September 16.
“Thanks to our bipartisan budget, you’ll soon be able to pick up ready-to-drink cocktails – some made right here in Pennsylvania – at supermarkets and gas stations,” said Governor Shapiro. “Today’s announcement to file the new permit applications means we’re one step closer to making that goal a reality. This is what real freedom looks like, and we’ve achieved it in a way that protects taxpayers and supports our public servants.”
The new RTDC permit allows holders to sell alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content between 0.5% and 12.5% in original containers of up to 16 ounces for take-away.
Which businesses receive a permit?
The permits are available to alcohol retail license holders eligible for enhanced wine permits (restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.), as well as malt and brewed beverage distributors and importers, all of whom must be certified under the Responsible Alcohol Management Program.
The new law will take effect on Monday, September 16, and the PLCB says it will review applications to issue permits to initial applicants on the 16th.
How much does the application cost?
The application fee for an RTDC permit is $2,500 per facility, plus an annual renewal fee equal to 2% of the cost of RTDC purchased for off-premises consumption, whether purchased from the PLCB or from licensed Pennsylvania producers.
Licensees wishing to apply for an RTDC permit may do so through PLCB+.
