Grocer is 1st in Pennsylvania to sell wine since Prohibition

PITTSBURGH – A grocery store in Pennsylvania has become the first since Prohibition to sell wine in the state.

A Giant Eagle store in Robinson Township will sell wine beginning Friday. Only state-owned liquor stores had been allowed to sell wine since the nationwide constitutional ban on alcohol that lasted from 1920 to 1933.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports store officials and Republican House Speaker Mike Turzai plan a ceremonial Champagne toast to mark the occasion.

Under a new law, customers can buy up to 3 liters of wine to go from businesses that hold restaurant or hotel liquor licenses.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board says it has approved 81 supermarkets, restaurants and hotels to sell wine to go.

About 35 Giant Eagle stores currently sell beer.