PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Happy hour might be a little sad with a liquor shortage hitting Pennsylvania wine and spirits stores. Starting Friday, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board will allow customers to buy only two bottles at a time.
Among the 43 labels being limited are certain types of champagne and sparkling wine, whiskeys, bourbons, tequilas and cognacs. The two-bottle-per-day limit is for individual customers, though the shortage pertains to anyone buying certain liquors at state stores -- bars, restaurants and other liquor license holders.
The PLCB announced notice of the rationing on Thursday, according to the Associated Press, because of what they're calling "sustained supply chain disruptions." It went into effect Friday and will last indefinitely, until the supply chain becomes more reliable.
This this does not encompass all liquors for sale at state stores, but customers, depending on what they are buying, must now face the prospect of visiting several stores to fulfill their needs.
"Like a lot of things it just makes planning hard and it makes running a business difficult," restauranteur Jill Weber said, chiding the PLCB for giving no more than 24 hours' notice.
"Hopefully customers will understand that, 'Well, I’m sorry, we are out of Buffalo Trace (bourbon, whiskey).' 'No, I’m sorry, we don’t have that Patron (tequila).' 'No, I’m sorry.' So it makes us look bad, I think, as usual, and I hope people understand that we’re not the ones making these rules."
Ben Fileccia with the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association says the PLCB started rationing sales because of a glass shortage. "This is a supply issue that we expect will only get worse before it gets better."
The PLCB spokesman says some producers are even having a hard time getting cans and bottles for their product.
Taylor from Philadelphia noticed the shortage after going to two state stores to unsuccessfully try to buy her sister a gift of her favorite champagne. "I’m thinking I’m going to have to order online and pay the shipping, because I did find it online, but then I wanted to get it in the store because it’s quicker."
Supply and labor issues have been an ongoing challenge through the pandemic, while industry groups across the state have documented an increase in demand during this time. The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association has appealed to lawmakers on their LinkedIn page to help the hospitality industry by addressing these pandemic-related shortages when legislators reconvene in Harrisburg.