Pennsylvania 'Frees The 6-Pack,' Approves Sale Of Beer At Gas Stations For The First Time

Pennsylvania, a state with some of the most stringent liquor laws in the country, has approved the sale of six-packs of beer at gas stations for the first time ever, in a move that consumers are cheering as "freeing the six-pack."

In Pennsylvania, alcohol sales are tightly regulated, and wine and spirits may only be sold through stores attached to wineries or a single state-owned retailer, Fine Wine and Good Spirits. Beer can only be purchased from a restaurant, bar, licensed beer store, or distributor; and now, gas stations that have been approved by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

So far, nine gas stations in the state have been approved to sell six-packs of malt or brewed beverages, with more applications on the way.

"'Freeing the six-pack' will make the commonwealth more inviting for customers and businesses," Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf said in a statement. "I applaud the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for approving these applications and respectfully ask that they approve similar subsequent applications that otherwise meet PLCB standards in order to improve customer service and convenience for Pennsylvania."