The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board announced it will begin accepting applications from retail liquor licensees and distributors and importing distributors of malt and brewed beverages for ready-to-drink cocktail permits today.

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed legislation creating the new permit as part of the 2024-25 budget.

Act 86 of 2024 created a new cocktail permit, which will authorize permittees to sell spirits-based to-go drinks, ranging from 0.5% alcohol beverage by volume to 12.5% ABV, in original containers up to 16 ounces for off-premises consumption.

RTDC permits will be available to retail liquor licensees eligible for wine expanded permits (restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.) and to distributors and importing distributors of malt and brewed beverages, all of which must be certified in the Responsible Alcohol Management Program.

The PLCB cannot grant licensees the authority to sell until Monday, Sept. 16, the day the new law takes effect.

The initial application fee for a ready-to-go cocktail permit is $2,500 per establishment; the annual renewal fee is 2% of the cost of drinks purchased for off-premises consumption, whether purchased from the PLCB or licensed Pennsylvania manufacturers.

Licensees interested in applying for a permit can do so through PLCB+, the PLCB’s online licensing and regulatory platform.