Act 86 of 2024 created a new RTDC permit that allows permit holders to sell spirits-based RTDC with an alcohol content of 0.5% to 12.5% in original containers of up to 16 ounces for off-premises consumption, provided the business is certified in the Responsible Alcohol Management Program. Shapiro signed the bill creating this new permit as part of the 2024-25 budget.
The new permits Opening the RTDC market to convenience stores and grocery stores that were previously prohibited from selling such products despite having expanded wine licenses. Before the updated regulation, only state-run liquor stores were allowed to sell such products in Pennsylvania.
The PLCB will not be able to grant approval to licensees to sell RTDC until Monday, September 16, the day the new law takes effect. Until then, the PLCB will review hundreds to thousands of anticipated applications in order to grant approval for RTDC to the early qualified applicants.
The initial application fee for an RTDC permit is $2,500 per establishment, and the annual renewal fee is 2% of the cost of RTDC consumed off-premises, whether purchased from the PLCB or from licensed Pennsylvania producers.
Licensees wishing to apply for an RTDC permit may do so via PLCB+the PLCB’s online licensing and regulatory platform.
The PLCB regulates the distribution of alcoholic beverages in Pennsylvania, operates about 600 wine and liquor stores statewide, and issues licenses to 20,000 alcohol producers, distributors, and retailers. Taxes and store profits go into Pennsylvania’s general fund, which funds schools, health and social programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives.