My thoughts on the easing of beer sales restrictions in PA
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07158/792198-85.stm
HARRISBURG — Senate Bill 674 would allow distributors, for the first time since Prohibition, to sell beer in six-packs, 12-packs, 15-packs and a new package of 18 cans or bottles, as well as the traditional 24- and 30-can cases. Restaurants or taverns with a beer license would be allowed to sell three six-packs of beer or an 18-pack.
I’m excited to see that the state of Pennsylvania is finally loosening their long lasting stranglehold on the beer community that other states have been able to enjoy responsibly since the end of Prohibition. Granted that it still irks me that I can’t go into a mini-mart or grocery store to purchase beer, this is a step in the right direction.
The main concern I hear from fellow craft brew fans in this state is “What will this do to our bottle shops?”.
1) First off, don’t worry. The people that this law will benefit are the Bud, Coors and Miller drinkers that we’re trying to broaden their taste.
2) Bottle shops offer variety. 3 Sons Dogs and Suds, where I shop, has over 500 beers to choose from. D’s 6pk shop has around 1000. These stores will stick around because not only do they sell 6packs to go at an affordable price but you can also buy singles and mix-n-match your 6pk. They’ll stay because of variety.
3) Bottle shops offer knowledge. These stores are also ran by craft beer aficionados. I’d say that the majority of the beer distributors who go for 6pks wont know an IPA from an ESB. Anyone can sell the high volume beers but not everyone can tell you how a beer is brewed or the different styles across the world.
4) Once the fad passes the field will level out. Same thing that happened when we were able to purchase beer on Sunday’s for the first time. Everyone did it because they could and now people don’t think twice.
5) Restaurants are the ones who should worry. No more 200% up-charge on a 6pk because there’s no other option available to buy a 6pk in a rush.
Those are just some quick thoughts I wanted to throw out there. If you want to discuss this more leave some comments!
cheers!
