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

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.

Residents are now making alternate plans trying to beat Wednesday's rush.

SEE ALSO: Pa. Thanksgiving eve alcohol ban upsets business owners: 'It's a little bit more than salt in the wound'

The ban goes into effect at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving eve.

"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.

In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced a series of orders and advisories during a news conference Monday afternoon.

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.

"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.