PITTSBURGH—The Pennsylvania House is considering a measure that would let grocery and convenience stores, along with other retailers, stock distilled spirits, such as whiskey and vodka, WPXI-TV News reports.

“[The] system that we have [is] proven to work through the law changes with the selling of the wine, my bill simply extends that to spirit sales as well,” said Rep. Tim O’Neal.

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States data shows Pennsylvania currently has 0.68 spirits retailer locations per 10,000 people. The national average is much higher at 3.27 spirits outlets per 10,000 people. The group sees this proposal as helping both state coffers and small businesses.

“The state of Pennsylvania, with only 620 state stores, is well underserved. This legislation would level the playing field and provide greater shopping opportunities from the Pennsylvania consumers,” said David Wojnar with the council.

C-store liquor sales have been one of the standout categories during the pandemic. In February, Parker’s opened its first Parker’s Spirits store in Georgia as a high-end brand experience. Also in February, 7-Eleven revealed its application for on-premises alcohol sales at 61 Ontario locations.

Read about how c-stores are flexing to changing consumer tastes in “Rising Stars of the Pandemic” in the February 2021 issue of NACS Magazine.