Pennsylvania Moves Closer to Expanding Sales of RTD Cocktails
CAMP HILL, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) applauded the passage of Pennsylvania Senate Bill 688, which amends the state liquor code to allow retailers such as grocery and convenience stores to sell ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, also known as canned cocktails.
"Senate Bill 688, which has now passed both the Senate and the House, represents a significant step forward for our industry," said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. "It offers consumers greater convenience and choice while supporting local businesses. We eagerly await the governor's signature to bring this exciting change to our state. This bill not only meets the evolving preferences of our customers but also provides a boost to our economy by opening new market opportunities for retailers."
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The bill has been approved by both houses in the General Assembly and is awaiting signature by Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Under current law, these products are restricted to state-run liquor stores because the base alcohol is liquor. According to reporting from WHYY, the bill would alternatively allow approximately 12,000 restaurants, bars, beer distributors, grocery stores and convenience stores that are already licensed to sell alcohol to get a special permit to sell the canned drinks.
However, the new regulations would still have some restrictions, including limiting the sale of RTDs to before 11 p.m. and to drinks that have a lower alcohol content than 12.5%.
A 2021 Public Opinion Strategies study on the issue of RTDs found that 86% of both consumers and nonconsumers of RTD beverages believe they should be sold alongside other options like beer and wine. WHYY also reported that legislative analysts believe the growing sales of RTDs will bring in about $35 million a year in state revenue by the fiscal year of 2028-2029.
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The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association is a statewide trade association which advocates for the views of the food and beverage industries. Members include convenience stores, supermarkets, independent grocers, wholesalers, distributors and consumer product vendors of all sizes operating in Pennsylvania and beyond.