Buying beer online is a game-changer for beer lovers. With just a few clicks, you can explore an array of beer choices in PA and beyond. But can you buy beer online and have it shipped? 

Let’s break it down, check out the applicable laws, and see how it works across different states. From seasoned craft beer connoisseurs to those eager to try something new, knowing the ins and outs of online beer purchases and shipments is a must. Let’s get into it!

Key Takeaways

• Buying beer online in Pennsylvania is easy with local pickup and delivery options, but direct shipping is regulated.
• Shipping alcohol laws vary widely by state. Always check local regulations before ordering.
• New Trail Brewing offers a variety of brews available for local pickup and in-person enjoyment at our Tasting Room.

The Basics of Buying Alcohol Online

Buying alcohol online is now easier than ever. With the rise of online sales, you can get your favorite alcoholic beverages delivered straight to your door. From mixed drinks to craft beers, the convenience of online alcohol orders has transformed how we shop for booze.

Several services facilitate alcohol deliveries, making it simple to purchase alcohol and have it shipped. These platforms handle age verification and compliance with state laws. While not all states allow direct shipment, many do, offering a wide variety of alcoholic beverages through online orders.

Understanding Alcohol Delivery Laws

Buying alcohol online is convenient, but the rules can be a bit of a maze. State laws and regulations vary widely, affecting how you can get your favorite alcoholic beverages delivered. Let’s break down how it works.

Direct shipment vs. delivery from local retailers

Direct shipment means your online orders come straight from the brewery or winery to you. This is allowed in many states. Delivery from local liquor stores involves the store managing the alcohol delivery process.

States allowing direct shipment of alcohol

Some states, like Florida and Kentucky, are pretty relaxed, allowing direct shipment of all spirits, including beer, wine, and liquor, straight to your door. States like Massachusetts and Virginia also allow direct shipment, but only for beer and wine. 

In contrast, New Mexico has specific restrictions that can make buying beer online more complicated.

States with strict prohibitions or special conditions

Some states have strict rules regarding alcohol deliveries. For example, Utah strictly prohibits alcohol deliveries, making it illegal to buy alcohol online and have it shipped directly to you. 

These strict regulations mean consumers in these states miss out on the convenience of online alcohol orders. Other states have unique rules. For example, South Dakota only allows alcohol shipments to licensed businesses, not directly to consumers.

Alcohol Laws in Pennsylvania

Buying alcohol online in Pennsylvania comes with its own set of rules and regulations. If you’re looking to have your favorite alcoholic beverages delivered, it’s important to understand how the state’s laws work. 

Here’s a breakdown to help you enjoy your drinks without any legal hiccups.

Where to buy alcohol

In Pennsylvania, your options for purchasing alcohol depend on the type of beverage you’re after. 

Beer

Beer is probably the easiest to get because several places can sell it. Beer distributors have the fewest restrictions and can sell kegs, cases, 12-packs, six-packs, single bottles, and growlers, but only for off-premise consumption. 

Bottle shops, grocery and convenience stores, and bars can sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per transaction, allowing you to drink it there or take it to go, depending on store rules. 192 fluid ounces can be simply thought of as 16 12 oz containers, or 12 16 oz containers. 

Breweries can sell beer to drink on-site or to go, and some even offer local delivery or shipping within the state.

Wine

Wine is also becoming more convenient to buy. You can find it at bottle shops and grocery stores, which can sell up to three liters of wine per transaction. If you want more, you’ll need to make multiple transactions, visit a local winery, or head to a state store. 

Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores offer shipping within Pennsylvania, with age verification upon delivery. Licensed wineries can ship up to 36 cases of wine per year to your home, and many provide local delivery options.

Liquor

If you’re looking for liquor, your options are a bit more limited.

There are over 600 state stores across Pennsylvania that can ship liquor to your home or allow you to order ahead for pickup. Pennsylvania distilleries can sell liquor for on- or off-premise consumption, ship within the state, or offer direct local delivery.

Direct shipment rules

If you want to order alcohol from out-of-state, it must come from a winery or brewery with a direct shipping license. This ensures the seller complies with Pennsylvania laws. 

Wineries can ship up to 36 cases of wine per year to a resident, and breweries can ship up to 192 fluid ounces of beer per month. 

Local delivery options

For local delivery, you can purchase from state-run liquor stores or local breweries and have your order delivered to your door. 

Keep in mind that the United States Postal Service does not handle alcohol deliveries, so your orders will usually be shipped via FedEx, UPS, or other private carriers.

Age verification and ID checks

Pennsylvania enforces strict rules to prevent underage sales. 

Every alcohol delivery requires a person aged 21 or older to accept the package and present a valid ID at the time of delivery. This ensures all alcohol orders comply with state regulations and legal requirements.

New Trail Brewing Co.: How to Buy Our Beer Online

Craving a taste of New Trail Brewing but can’t make it to our Tasting Room? While we can’t ship beer directly to consumers in any state, we do our best to put our products on a retail shelf near you.

Head over to our Beer Finder at the top of the page to locate a retail store near you. Our beer is available for local pickup and delivery through a few retailers. If you’re in the mood for our latest IPA or a classic stout, you can easily order alcohol online for in-store pickup or delivery.

Prefer a personal touch? Visit our Tasting Room any day of the week, where we serve our finest brews, craft cocktails made with Pennsylvania spirits, PA wine, and non-alcoholic craft sodas. Although we don’t sell kegs directly, our local wholesaler, MidState Beverage Co., can help with larger orders.

While our shipping policies don’t allow for direct delivery, you can still enjoy our brews through local pickup and delivery. Just bring a valid ID with you, as we strictly prohibit underage sales. 

Stay updated on our hours and events through our social media feeds. Call us for any questions or assistance.

Summary

Buying beer online and having it shipped can be a bit tricky due to state laws, but with New Trail Brewing, it’s easy to find our products at local beer retailers across Pennsylvania. 

While we can’t deliver alcohol directly to consumers, you can still enjoy our wide range of alcoholic beverages by using our Beer Finder for convenient local pickup. Don’t forget to visit our Tasting Room for a personal experience with our craft beers, spirits, and mixed drinks.

Check out your local laws, order alcohol online, and explore the convenience and variety of online sales. From picking up a bottle at a nearby store to enjoying a craft cocktail at our Tasting Room, we’re here to make your New Trail experience enjoyable and hassle-free. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy alcohol online in PA?

Yes, you can buy alcohol online in Pennsylvania, but delivery and shipping alcohol directly to consumers are subject to strict state laws. Use our Beer Finder to locate a local beer retailer for pickup, as shipping alcohol from other states is heavily regulated and often strictly prohibited.

Is it legal to ship beer internationally?

Shipping beer internationally is generally illegal due to various countries’ alcohol laws and restrictions. Each country has its own regulations regarding the import and export of alcoholic beverages, making international shipping complicated and often prohibited.

Which states allow the shipping of alcohol?

Several states allow the shipping of alcohol, but regulations vary widely. States like California, New York, and Florida have more lenient laws, while others, like Alabama and Mississippi, have stricter regulations. Always check the specific state laws before attempting to ship alcohol.

Can you ship beer through DHL?

DHL does not allow the shipping of beer or any other alcoholic beverages through its services due to legal and liability issues. For alcohol delivery, consider using specialized carriers that comply with state and federal regulations, such as FedEx or UPS.

How do I ship beer to a friend?

To ship beer to a friend, ensure you comply with both the sender’s and recipient’s state laws. Use a private carrier like FedEx or UPS that allows the shipping of alcoholic beverages, pack the beer securely, label the package appropriately, and verify the recipient’s age at delivery.