Sheetz Says 'Cheers' to Pennsylvania Liquor Reform
ALTOONA, Pa. — Sheetz Inc. is preparing to add beer and wine to the offerings at its Sheetz convenience stores network in Pennsylvania.
The move comes days after Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law legislation that expands retailers' ability to sell beer and wine within the state. The bill makes permanent gas stations' ability to sell six-packs of beer, allows grocery stores that currently sell beer to sell up to four bottles of wine and removes Sunday restrictions and state-mandated holidays, as CSNews Online previously reported.
"This bill is the most significant change to Pennsylvania in 80 years. We continue to show our support and gratitude to Gov. Wolf, the Senate and House leaders for advancing the issue and driving the change in beer reform in Pennsylvania." said Ryan Sheetz, the c-store retailer's assistant vice president of brand strategy. "We are thrilled to be able to give our Pennsylvania customers the common right they deserve."
According to the retailer, Sheetz has been a leading proponent of change regarding beer reform and has been committed to this movement by not only advancing the issue but also by responsibly selling beer in a handful of stores by complying with all laws and regulations. Its c-stores enforce a 100-percent proof-of-age policy and employees will ask for proper identification from any customer wanting to purchase alcohol.
In 2010, Sheetz spearheaded a grassroots campaign, "Free My Beer," in an effort to change the state's beer laws. To read more on the campaign, click here.
Currently, Sheetz sells beer in more than 200 stores across the five other states in the company's footprint, including the sale of beer at four other locations in Pennsylvania.
"We are excited to finally be able to give our customers what they have long been asking us to do: Provide them with the convenience of a one-stop-shop," Ryan Sheetz said. "This law was archaic and nonsensical. The goal for our entire operation is to give our customers what they want, how they want, when they want it, 24/7.
"Providing convenience to our customers is at the forefront of everything we do and we are committed to this cause until the law is changed for the benefit of our Pennsylvania customers," he added.
Altoona-based Sheetz operates more than 500 store locations throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and North Carolina.