PHILADELPHIA – Attention Pennsylvania businesses, starting Tuesday you can now apply for a permit to begin selling ready-to-drink cocktails, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) announced Monday.

Earlier this summer, Governor Josh Shapiro signed bipartisan legislation that allows the sale of ready-to-drink cocktails at places like grocery stores and gas stations starting September 16th.

“Thanks to our bipartisan budget, you will soon be able to go get ready-to-drink cocktails – some made right here in Pennsylvania – at places like grocery stores and gas stations,” said Governor Shapiro. “Today’s announcement opening the new permit applications means we’re one step closer to making that a reality. This is what real freedom looks like, and we did it in a way that protects taxpayers and supports our state workers.”

If you’re a business that sells alcohol, you can apply for a permit to start selling canned cocktails starting today!

And on September 16th, you can get your favorite hard seltzers and canned cocktails at a grocery store or gas station near you.

We may be the only divided… https://t.co/vv57E7mHnA

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) August 27, 2024

The newly introduced RTDC permit will allow permit holders to offer alcoholic drinks with ABV ranging from 0.5% to 12.5%, in unopened containers of up to 16 ounces for takeaway.

This permit can be obtained by retail liquor license holders with wine expanded permits, such as restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, convenience stores, and also by distributors and importing distributors of malt and brewed beverages, providing they have certification from the Responsible Alcohol Management Program.

The legislation is set to be enacted on Monday, September 16, with the PLCB planning to process and potentially approve applications for early applicants on that day.

The initial application fee for a RTDC permit is $2,500 per establishment. There is also an annual renewal fee which is 2% of the cost of RTDC purchased for off-premises consumption, whether purchased from the PLCB or licensed Pennsylvania manufacturers.

Licensees interested in applying for a RTDC permit can do so through PLCB+.