It's a dash to Pennsylvania liquor stores ahead of Thanksgiving eve alcohol ban

Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Pennsylvania liquor stores have been busier than usual since the state's health department imposed a one-night shutdown of alcohol sales at bars and restaurants on Thanksgiving eve.

The alcohol sales suspension begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday and will stay in effect through 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. Health officials are hoping to curb what they feel would be a rapid spread of the virus on a popular drinking night.
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Residents are now making alternate plans trying to beat Wednesday's rush.

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"I thought it would be crazy because of Thanksgiving. I knew there'd be a line," said Frank Dalessio of Upper Darby.

Foot traffic at the state store in Overbrook was steady. And while capacity indoors stands at 25%, the line to get in remained long.

Pa. bans alcohol sales at bars, restaurants on Thanksgiving Eve as COVID cases climb


In fact, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board says early numbers show on a typical Monday their stores rake in about $4 to $6 million. Just 24 hours ago, officials reported close to $10 million in liquor sales.
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"We typically see an uptick this time of year, but it is possible it may have impacted sales in some way," said Shawn Kelly, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.



If you do need alcohol on Thanksgiving eve, Philadelphia-based goPuff says it will be delivering.
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