Beer and Liquor Advertising

Liquor (47 P.S. § 4-493, 4-498)

Under Pennsylvania law, manufacturers and retailers are allowed to advertise their products and prices; however, all such advertisements are subject to Federal and State laws.

Any advertisements of price may not contain any of the following:

• False, deceptive or misleading statements;
• Statements disparaging of the products of competitors; or
• Monetary comparisons of brands.

Indirect price advertising terms such as “special,” “half price, rebate available,” are legal.

The following restrictions apply to advertisements for alcoholic or malt beverages:

• The advertiser must be clearly identified in the ad.
• No licensee may distribute price lists off of the premises as a means of advertising.
• No printed advertisements are permitted within 300 feet of a church, school or public playground.
• No advertisements may be directed at minors to promote the illegal consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• No advertisements are permitted in publications by, for , or on behalf of any educational institution.
• Obscene advertisements are prohibited.
• Advertisements may not contradict the ideals of safety or safe driving programs.
• Licensees may not advertise any alcoholic beverages if he does not actually have a sufficient supply of the beverages on hand to meet the normally expected demands.
• Advertisements may not refer to the alcoholic strength of a malt beverage in any manner in order to induce consumers to buy the product. Terms such as “full strength,” “extra strength,” “high proof,” etc. are prohibited.