By Lauren Linder

September 16, 2024 / 4:41 AM EDT / CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Starting today, businesses in Pennsylvania that sell alcohol will be able to sell canned cocktails like High Noon and Surfside, which were previously only able to be purchased at state-run liquor stores.

Earlier this year, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a bill into law that expanded where ‘ready-to-drink’ cocktails could be sold.

Previously, only state-run Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores could sell cocktails that included spirits such as vodka, gin, and tequila. Hard seltzers like White Claw and Truly were already available in stores as they are made from alcohol derived from fermented sugar, not distilled spirits.

Late last month, venues such as restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, and convenience stores began the process of applying for permits to sell canned cocktails.

As of today, approved stores can start selling these cocktails, which have an alcohol content ranging from 0.5% to 12.5%, in containers no larger than 16 ounces.

Each transaction is limited to selling no more than 192 ounces of these products, equivalent to a 12-pack of 16-ounce cans.

New legislation went into effect on Friday that allows bars and restaurants to extend the amount of time that they can offer happy hours, increasing from 14 to 24 hours per week.

The new law also allows establishments with a liquor license to offer food and drink combinations and allows them to include up to two drinks in the cost of a ticket for a self-sponsored event.

© 2024 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.