HB 829 includes several improvements for bar businesses
The following is a quote from Chuck Moran, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association (PaTaverns), regarding today’s passage of HB 829 in the State Senate. HB 829 in its original form addressed workforce issues within the hospitality industry but was later amended to include numerous changes to the liquor code. This statement covers three of those changes that will benefit tavern owners and patrons. The bill does include other changes not covered by this statement.
At the start of this legislative session, the Board of Directors at the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association set a goal to address older regulations that limited opportunities for the state’s bars, taverns, and licensed restaurants to creatively market their businesses.
Several elements of HB 829 led by efforts of PaTaverns that passed in the State Senate, 47-3, update regulations by giving bar owners opportunities to increase happy hours, create discounted combo meals with adult beverages, and include the price of two drinks in any self-sponsored event an establishment is hosting.
In the past, happy hours were limited to only 14 hours per week. HB 829 increases the total hours to 24. It’s well known that happy hours are used to pull customers into establishments through special drink offerings. 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.
Previously, combo meals at bars, taverns, and licensed restaurants that included adult beverages were not allowed to be discounted. With consumer’s expecting a discount for combo meals, there was really no incentive for bars, taverns, and licensed restaurants to create and advertise combo meals that are very popular at non-liquor restaurants. This part of HB 829 provides a new tool for bar owners to use within marketing efforts by combining food and adult drink combos at discount for patrons.
Also in the past, self-sponsored events at bars such as Super Bowl parties could not include any drinks in the price of a ticket to attend. HB 829 changes that by allowing up to two drinks to be included.
PaTaverns thanks leadership in both the State House and State Senate for working with our Association in making these changes possible. We’re also thankful for the members of the State House Liquor Control Committee and Senate Law and Justice Committee for their efforts.
The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association encourages Governor Shapiro to sign this bill once it arrives on his desk.
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The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association is the statewide political voice for small business taverns and licensed restaurants. Based in Harrisburg, the Association formed after Prohibition in 1941, reorganized in 2019, and today advocates for best practices and rights within the industry as well as best experiences for patrons. To learn more, visit www.pataverns.com or follow the Association on Twitter via @TavernPA.