Eliminating Checkout Frustration: Proposed PA Liquor Code Amendments Could Increase Convenience for Grocery Store Customers

Daniel C. Conlon, dconlon@tuckerlaw.com, (412) 594-3951

Proposed changes to Pennsylvania’s Liquor Code would allow for more flexibility in the use of cash registers, making it easier and more convenient for customers to check out both groceries and beer/wine in one transaction.

Are you tired of waiting in long lines and having to check out alcohol products in a separate cashier from your food supplies? You’re not alone! Many customers have experienced this inconvenience, but proposed amendments to Pennsylvania’s Liquor Code could make checkout more convenient.

Background

In 2020, Pennsylvania’s General Assembly passed Act 29 of 2020, which allowed beer and wine checkout at any cash register for restaurant licensees with a building of 11,000 square feet or less. However, this left out grocery stores with buildings that measured more than 11,000 square feet.

What’s New?

State Rep. Jason Ortitay of Allegheny/Washington County introduced House Bill No. 152 that seeks to eliminate the 11,000 square feet or less requirement for grocery stores with an interior connection to a licensed premises.

While the proposed amendments will provide more convenience for customers and license holders, certain conditions must still be met.

Cash registers must comply with specific conditions, including staffing, training, carding, scanning, and data sharing provisions outlined in the Liquor Code. Sales clerks conducting the actual sale must be at least 18 years old and be RAMP certified. If the clerk is under 18 years old, they must be assisted by an employee who is at least 18 years old.

In summary, eliminating the 11,000 square feet or less requirement for licensees with an interior connection to a licensed premises will allow more grocery stores with restaurant licenses to use registers located in other parts of their stores; thus providing more flexibility and convenience for both customers and licensees. With these proposed amendments, checkout frustration could be a thing of the past.

For further information contact Daniel Conlon at (412) 594-3919.