Jeff Bohen- Digital Reporter
Soon it might become easier to purchase beer and wine in the commonwealth. Lawmakers are considering legislation that would ease requirements for grocery and convenience stores to sell beer and wine.
House Bill 1644 introduced by state Rep. Matthew Dowling (R-51) who represents parts of Fayette and Somerset counties, would allow stores to apply for a “customer convenience permit” to expand alcohol sales. Stores would have to pay an annual fee for the permit, which would provide the following privileges:
- Stores would not have to have a 30-seat cafe to maintain the restaurant license enabling them to sell wine and beer.
- Allow individual beer sales of more than 192 ounces.
- Allow individual wine sales of more than 3,000 milliliters.
- Permit beer and wine products to be placed at any location in the store.
- Allow beer and wine purchases at additional registers.
- Permit educational or cooking classes featuring alcoholic products.
In a letter to fellow lawmakers asking for support of the measure, Dowling called the bill “common sense legislation to continue the consumer convenience initiatives we have begun.”