CANNED COCKTAILS | PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

During the pandemic, businesses like The Warren Bar & Burrow, Downtown, relied on canned cocktails to keep sales flowing. But when the COVID crisis ended, so did the ready-to-drink cocktails; they were only allowed to be sold in state liquor stores. 

However, a new law signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro on July 15 now permits canned cocktails to be sold in a wider array of establishments with a special permit. Convenience stores, restaurants, bars, grocery stores and beer distributors can now sell premade cocktails.  

“Cocktails to go was a big portion of what we did during COVID,” said Spencer Warren the owner of The Warren Bar & Burrow, “If we can do cocktails to go, that gives us an added element. When people go on their boats or do other things, they can come in and get our cocktails.” 

The cocktails must contain an alcohol content no higher than 12.5% and can only be sold before 11 p.m. Legislative analysts predict that by 2028-29, the state will see a $35 million annual revenue from the ready-to-drink cocktails. 

House Bill 829, which passed the State Senate by a 47-3 vote, allows for other changes to the Pennsylvania Liquor Code. The bill was introduced by House Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-White Oak. 

The new law extends happy hours from 14 hours a week to 24. Other amendments include offering discounts on up to two food and alcoholic drink combination specials.

Barcadia, located in Downtown’s Market Square, is not only a bar but has three levels offering more than 85 arcade games. However, because of the $10 charge for gameplay, the place was not drawing as many customers as it had hoped during happy hour. With the new law and longer hours, General Manager Mia Hebson hopes to see an increase in happy hour attendance. 

While the Warren does not offer a happy hour, Spencer Warren hopes it will benefit Pittsburgh’s overall restaurant industry.

 “Just because it doesn’t affect us, doesn’t mean I’m not supportive,” Warren said, “I’m very supportive to help other restaurants too. Because as a group, we need more people coming Downtown.” 

The new law also allows for a temporary liquor license extension to outdoor dining areas. State liquor changes introduced during the pandemic allowed outdoor dining areas within 1,000 feet of the licensed building to serve alcohol. The provision was set to expire at the end of the year, but now is extended indefinitely. 

Jilian Musser’s reporting is supported by the Pittsburgh Media Partnership.