PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A new law in Pennsylvania allows people 21 and older more time to take advantage of adult drinking specials.
Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law this week an expanded happy hour bill that state lawmakers passed.
The new law is also an opportunity for restaurants and bars to potentially attract more foot traffic.
28/22 News checked in with a local bar and grill on how the new law will impact them.
Single mixers, beer, seltzers, and wine by the glass are all half-price during happy hour at River Grille in Plains Township.
It’s been offering drink specials for 12 hours each week just shy of the 14-hour maximum allowed by the state.
But soon, the number of hours allowed will expand.
$500 million going towards site development across NEPA “Definitely we haven’t made any changes yet, but I would say stay tuned,” said Erica West the manager at River Grille.
Governor Josh Shapiro amended the liquor code by signing the bill which lawmakers passed.
By doing so, it increases the number of hours licensed establishments in the state can host happy hours up to four hours a day and up to 24 hours a week.
“We were very excited about it because you know it’s hard for people to go out nowadays with inflation. It gives people the opportunity to come in save money and still have a good time,” says West.
“During the week when I work ’til five, I can’t make it to happy hour so it would be nice to go with a couple of friends after work,” added Cole Yost from Sugarloaf.
The new law also allows businesses to advertise discounted meals with adult drinks.
“I just feel like it will bring us more volume and hopefully we can show people more of what we have to offer,” continued West.
“We have a lot of those patrons come in looking for happy hour and a lot of those patrons turn into some pretty good friends of mine as well,” stated Shaquan Everetz a bartender at River Grille.
Everetz has been bartending at River Grille for three years experience in what it’s like to work during the happy hour rush.
“It’s pretty hectic but that’s the perks of being a bartender. You get people their drinks and they are happy with you,” says Everetz.
“After COVID hit, it hurt a lot of small businesses and places closed so I think there’s definitely a way to bring more crowds in,” mentioned Yost.
The revised law will take effect 60 days from the time the governor signed it.
That means mid-September right in time for football season, larger crowds, and more business!
Erica west
Manager
“Especially on Sundays. Sunday we tend to draw a crowd early in the day we do brunch and we have a good TV situation as well so we are looking forward to football season,” said West.
You can check out the House and Senate bills that amend Pennsylvania’s liquor code.
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