Pennsylvania Governor makes ‘canned cocktail run’ as stores eagerly begin sales

(WHTM) — An afternoon cocktail run for Governor Josh Shapiro and State Senator Mike Regan meant a trip to a Perry County Rutter’s.

Rutter’s is one of the many gas stations now selling canned cocktails, which the Governor and lawmakers have promoted for some time.

“Our tagline is, why go anywhere else?” said Philip Santini, owner of the Perry County Rutter’s. “This is sort of just the next stepping stone for us.”

“I know when people think about freedom, they don’t oftentimes think about their ability to drink a cocktail of their choice,” Governor Shapiro said. “But this is part of it. It’s more freedom for Pennsylvania.”

“Let me say it’s four years in the making,” Senator Regan (R) added.

Senate Bill 688 , a bill spearheaded by Senator Regan that legalizes ready-to-drink cocktails, aims to bring millions of dollars to Pennsylvania.

“We’re looking at budget deficits down the road,” Regan said. “We need to come up with new sources of revenue. That’s a new source of revenue.”

Many will want to celebrate the new bill with some cocktails of their own, however, people must adhere to the rules:

• Cocktails cannot be sold after 11 p.m.
• Cocktails cannot be more than 12.5% alcohol by volume
• Sellers of beer and wine need a special permit that costs $2,500 upfront, plus a 2% fee in perpetuity

Some restaurants have chosen not to sell the cocktails, including Flinchy’s in Camp Hill. When asked, owner Ali Grothe said “We will not be purchasing it. Thanks, but no thanks. It’s a hard no for us.”

Grothe believes the drinks are too expensive for too little of a return, however, according to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, 1,400 permits were issued on day one and thousands of establishments are currently eligible. Many other large convenience and grocery stores are all in on ready-to-drink cocktails, including GIANT and Weis.

When asked if ready-to-drink cocktails being more available could serve as another temptation for those battling alcohol addiction, Regan replied “It’s not necessarily people going, ‘Oh, you know what? Since they have these now, I’m going to start drinking.’ I think if you really want to drink, you’re going to find something you can drink.”

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