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The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue recently issued a clarification regarding collection of sales tax for retail sales by manufacturers of malt beverages. Based upon inconsistent reports of audits and varying opinions of accountants, the Brewers of Pennsylvania met with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and solicited an opinion as to collection and remittance of sales tax by manufacturers of malt beverages when selling at retail.» Read More

As previously reported, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has added a new regulation, Section 3.93, Title 40 of the Pennsylvania Code, which allows breweries to sell beer and other malt beverage products at its brewery facilities without the need to acquire any additional form of license like a restaurant license or a brew pub license.  This regulation became final when it was published in the PA Bulletin over the weekend on May 30, 2015. » Read More

The Liquor Control Board proposed more amendments to “happy hour” rules in Pennsylvania.  Previously, happy hours limited restaurants to 2 consecutive hours a day of discounted alcoholic beverages.  In 2011, the Liquor Code was amended to allow 4 hours of “happy hour” in a day, but no more than 14 hours in a week.  Now, the licensee must post public notice of the “happy hour” at least 7 days prior to the date. » Read More

On April 16, 2015, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission approved the final form regulation received from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and cleared up any confusion regarding brewery sales.  Shortly after this regulation is approved by the Attorney General’s Office, the new Section 3.93, Title 40 of the Pennsylvania Code, will allow breweries to sell malt beverages for on-premises consumption at all of their brewery locations. » Read More

Yesterday the Pa.L.C.B. issued a correspondence further clarifying their new rule allowing Distributors to sell 12-packs. The issue concerned many logistical questions arising from the Board’s recent announcement. » Read More

On March 11, 2015, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board issued Advisory Notice No. 22, which further detailed the Board’s position on the permissibility of delivery of malt or brewed beverages directly to customers from licensees holding Transporter-for-Hire licenses.  » Read More

The Office of Chief Counsel of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board issued a Legal Opinion which will permit Distributors to sell any group of containers prepared in a package as long as that group of containers exceeds 128 ounces in size.  Yes, this will permit Distributors to sell 12 packs which is a step in the right direction for consumer choice; however, » Read More

On January 28, 2015, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board followed the recommendations of the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (“IRRC”) and clarified a previously-issued regulation amending Section 3.93 of the Pa.L.C.B. regulations.  The IRRC had recommended that the Pa.L.C.B. follow the public comment of the Brewers of Pennsylvania clarifying that breweries could sell malt and brewed beverages owned by the brewery and not just beer which was produced on the premises. » Read More

Over the weekend, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (“IRRC”) issued comments to several pending proposed regulations, including the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s (“Pa.L.C.B.”) proposed regulatory changes to Section 3.93 of its regulations relating to breweries.  The Pa.L.C.B. amended its regulation that would permit breweries to sell brewed and malt beverages for on-premises consumption if the malt or brewed beverages were produced on the licensed premises by the brewery. » Read More