Longer happy hours more changes coming to PA bars

Some changes could soon be coming to your favorite drinking establishments.

Legislation that just passed the state House would make a number of changes to the state's liquor code.

The goal here is to help restaurants and bars that are still struggling to recover from the pandemic.

Among the changes, longer happy hours at drinking establishments (14 to 24 hours a week), value meals that include an adult beverage and making permanent outdoor seating, without any strict rules, that was first implemented during the pandemic.

The bill, which is sponsored by Allegheny County state rep Matt Gergely, won near-unanimous support in the House and Senate.

After the governor signs it, and he is expected to, it would take 60 days for the changes to take effect.