Daylight Saving Time Affects State Liquor Laws

Although extending liquor license hours in Pennsylvania is not yet approved, many people, including bar owners, criticize the bill. If the legislation is implemented, the municipalities can decide how late alcohol can be served to the public, helping the industry recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Like other states, Pennsylvania is considering later last calls to help the industry. However, contrary to the results of some studies, extending liquor license hours can increase the deaths since 95,000 people already die annually from excessive alcohol use.

Aside from the numerous deaths every year, there is also a correlation between later last calls and car crashes and violence. As of now, state liquor laws allow license-holders to sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Suppose the operator has a Sunday sales permit; they can sell drinks between 9 a.m. and 2 a.m.

Does Daylight Saving Time affect the license hours? In states like Pennsylvania, where the twice-a-year tradition occurs, operators with a license can stay open until 2 a.m. That means they get an extra hour when the clocks turn back. However, they lose an hour when they’re turned forward.