Pennsylvania lawmaker tries again to loosen beer-sales law

The bill Rafferty is writing would allow sales of six-packs and 12-packs at beer distributorships, groceries and convenience stores. Currently, the state's approximately 1,100 licensed distributorships are only allowed to sell kegs and cases of beer, while beer drinkers must go to bars or restaurants for a six-pack or two.

"I think this is far-reaching legislation, it's fair legislation and we'll work hard to see it move through the General Assembly," Rafferty told a rally arranged with grocery and convenience store groups.

The theme of the rally in the Capitol Rotunda revolved around a revolution, since that's what it might take to change Pennsylvania's beer law.

Since at least the early 1980s, there have been efforts to broaden the places where people can buy six-packs in Pennsylvania. Those efforts have all failed due to opposition by the taverns, distributors or anyone else worried about such a change.

In the last two-year legislative session, Rafferty's bill to allow distributorships to sell six-packs and bars and restaurants to sell cases collapsed amid feuding between taverns, distributors, brewers and others.

This version may be no different. Distributors are poised to oppose Rafferty's legislation, saying the additional competition from big retailers such as Wal-Mart and Wegmans will put them out of business.