HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Some gas stations across Pennsylvania will now be allowed to sell six-packs of beer. This comes a day after Gov. Tom Wolf sent the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board a letter asking to "free the six-pack."
In his letter, Wolf said allowing gas stations to sell six-packs increases convenience and improves customer satisfaction in the state.
The PLCB approved nine gas stations' applications to sell beer.
Chairman Tim Holden said he wanted to wait until the state supreme court made a decision, but now acknowledges it may be a while before that happens.
Supporters of the issue said it's better for small businesses.
John Rodgers, an attorney for five of the nine gas stations, said, "It allows a small business person to compete with the bigger businesses by having an opportunity to sell more product."
And it's better for buyers.
Nate Benefield, vice president of policy for the Commonwealth Foundation, said, "It allows a small business person to compete with the bigger businesses by having an opportunity to sell more product."
But distributors argue the state's liquor code should be interpreted as it's written, which would prohibit gas stations from selling six-packs.
Matt Haverstick, an attorney for Malt Beverage Distributors Association, said, "We thought the governor's letter of yesterday was highly irregular especially since it didn't mention the fact that this case is before our state Supreme Court as we speak."
But Holden said that judicial decision could be made as late as 2017.
He said, "We would hope if there was a reversal that there'd be guidance from the court."
Seven stores that will be allowed to sell up to two six-packs per transaction are:
Arch Six Packs To Go in Wyoming, Luzerne County
Fast Lane Six Packs to Go in Wilkes Barre, Luzerne County
Ohio Springs, Inc. (Sheetz) in Huntingdon, Huntingdon County
SAI Hazleton in Hazleton, Luzerne County
SAI Hess Market in Orangeville, Columbia County
Shivashish in Plains, Luzerne County
VGV Beverages in Manahoy City, Schuylkill County
The two stores that will be able to sell full cases of original containers of beer containing at least 128 fluid ounces are:
Save N Go Beer in Gibsonia, Allegheny County
Lathia Investments in Canonsburg, Washington County