PA Bars, Restaurants On Verge Of Extending Happy Hours

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania bars and restaurants soon will likely be able to offer patrons longer happy hours and combo meals that include alcoholic beverages.

Legislation that has passed the House and Senate would nearly double the weekly limit for happy hours from 14 to 24 hours. The bill, now awaiting Gov. Josh Shapiro’s signature, also would allow bars and restaurants to provide discounts on as many as two daily food and drink combination specials.

Additionally, it would permit the cost of up to two drinks to be included in the admission price for parties establishments sponsor for sporting and other special events.

Further changes would include making permanent the expanded outdoor seating that originated during the pandemic and allow employees to work in multiple licensed liquor establishments.

The provisions, included in the bill sponsored by Rep. Matt Gergely, D-Allegheny, is designed to assist bars and eateries still attempting to financially recover from the pandemic and aid them with overcoming persistent staffing challenges.

The bill was applauded by the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association.

“It’s well known that happy hours are used to pull customers into establishments through special drink offerings,” Chuck Moran, the industry organization’s executive director, said in a statement.

“By increasing the total hours per week, we’re hopeful that through creative marketing each establishment will be able to use this tool to attract more patrons.”