Happy Hours expanding in Pennsylvania

(WHTM) — It’s potentially good news for bars and restaurants, Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed a bill that could expand happy hour after it received unanimous support in the House and Senate.

“So currently our happy hour runs from 4:30 p.m. To 6:30 p.m,” said Paige Blakesslee, the Manager at Grateful Goat Brewing and Provisions in Cumberland County.

Yet, that may no longer be the case under House Bill 829, sponsored by Representative Matt Gergely of Allegheny County.

“We really like the flexibility of it,” Blakesslee added.

House Bill 829 would allow Pennsylvania bars and restaurants to expand their happy hours, while offering discounts on food and drink combinations.

“I’ve understood that they’re increasing it from 14 hours to 24 hours and of course, there is a limit on how many hours you can have a day,” said Blakesslee. “We’re throwing around like different combo ideas of what we can do now that’s allowed. And we really like to do anything that we can to get some customers in here and have it more flexible to them.”

Blakesslee tells abc27 News some customers have even expressed interest in this bill.

“So, they’re kind of aware of it and they’re also thinking that it would be good to see some more people in here and some more faces,” added Blakesslee. “I mean, they’re excited to have more combos and especially with football season coming up.”

When questioned about any concerns surrounding this bill Blakesslee said, “Not really. I think we’re just really excited that we have more say.”

This bill will take effect in less than 60 days and while it might seem like a great idea, others may disagree.

abc27 News reached out to Mothers Against Drunk Driving for comment but was not able to get in touch with an official.

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