More Pittsburgh-area gas stations can sell beer, despite looming court case

PITTSBURGH — The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is granting nine more licenses to businesses that sell gasoline. It's the latest step in loosening the hold on beer sales by bars and beer distributors.

The Liquor Control Board's vote Wednesday is the first since February. That's when the state Supreme Court said it would take up a case challenging whether a convenience store can sell beer and gasoline without violating state law.%

%

The beer licenses are for groceries and convenience stores in northeastern Pennsylvania, including the Wilkes-Barre area, Hazleton, Orangeville and Mahanoy City, and in western Pennsylvania, including Canonsburg, Gibsonia and Huntingdon.

Paul Lathia, who bought the Sunoco gas station on West Pike Street in Canonsburg last year, is among those getting one of the new licenses.

“The whole town is excited they will be able to shop beer in one space,” he said.

Lathia said he renovated the gas station’s convenience store after buying it and plans to convert a former garage next door to his six-pack shop. He said he hopes to start selling beer next month.

Some customers who spoke with Channel 11 News said it’s about time.

“I was just in Atlanta, they sell it everywhere: gas stations, Walmart, everywhere,” Letichia Patterson said.

Not everyone, though, was supportive of the decision.

“Too many young kids get a hold of it, and then the older people buy it for the young kids,” Lorraine Mahramus said.

The other two local locations granted licenses include the Sheetz on Shaner Boulevard in Huntingdon and the gas station located at 6610 William Flynn Highway in Gibsonia.

Liquor Control Board officials say dozens of beer licensees also sell gas. That's despite wording in the state liquor law that bans alcohol sales licenses in locations, places and properties where gasoline is sold.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cox Media Group