What is the history behind the liquor laws in Pennsylvania?

I'm wondering about the...interesting liquor laws in Pennsylvania. Why can't one buy beer at a state store? Why do beer distributors only sell cases? Why can I get a six pack at a hoagie shop but not at the grocery store or Wawa?|||Although Gospieler's answer correctly defines the essential function of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) it does not accurately answer your question.


In the US there are two type of states when it comes to the sale of alcohol there are lisensure states and control states. Control states are the most stringent when it comes to the sale of alcohol. Pennsylvania is a control state. The PLCB regulates the sale of all liquor, wine, and beer in the Commonwealth of PA. These regulations were created in 1933 and have seen little change since that time. You must remember that in those days people saw alcohol much differently Than they do today. they wanted control over who could buy it and where it could be sold. That is why in PA there are a lot of antiquated laws which regulate the sale of alcohol. The PA Wine and Spirts stores are owned by the PLCB. This is the only place you can get liquor and wine (including wine coolers). A beer distributor is a "wholesaler" for beer. The a required by law to sell in a package no less than a case. A liquor licensed Establishment (bar, hoagie shop, restaurant, etc) can sell liquor and beer to be consumed on the premises and can sell up to 2 six pack of beer at a time for take out. I could go on and on but I hope this helped.|||I'm from NY. We can buy beer anywhere, anytime.





I know here we go to distributors. These are the best links.





Apparently Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board dictates these laws for their own benefit. See first link.|||The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) is an independent government agency that manages the beverage alcohol industry in Pennsylvania.


The PLCB was established in conjunction with the 21st Amendment and the repeal of prohibition. In 1933, just four days before the sale of alcohol became legal in Pennsylvania, the Board was officially organized.


The PLCB holds MONOPOLISTIC RIGHTS to the distribution of all wines and hard liquor in the state. To this end, the agency owns and operates Wine %26amp; Spirits retail locations. It is RESPONSIBLE for licensing the possession, sale, storage, transportation, importation and manufacture of wine, spirits and malt or brewed beverages in the Commonwealth, as well as operating a system of liquor distribution (retailing) and providing education about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.|||prohibition