Canned Cocktails Soon To Be Sold In PA Groceries, Convenience Stores

PENNSYLVANIA — People soon will have more options when purchasing canned alcoholic drinks than state-owned Wine & Good Spirits stores.

Gov. Josh Shapiro is poised to sign a bill permitting restaurants, bars, beer distributors, grocery stores and convenience stores to sell the ready-to-drink cocktails by purchasing a special permit. The legislation already has been approved in the Senate and the House.

According to Sen. Mike Regan, R-Cumberland, who sponsored the bill, ready-to-drink beverages have seen more than 43 percent growth in global consumption since 2020 and quickly have become one of the nation's trendiest drinks. Liquor-based ready-to-drink beverages lead the spirits category in market growth and consumer demand.

The drinks will only be permitted to be sold before 11 p.m. They also must an alcohol content lower than 12.5 percent.

The state is expected to bring in about $35 million annually in revenue from the drinks by the 2028-29 year, according to legislative analysts.