Pennsylvania General Assembly Passes SB 1218; Establishes a Temporary ‘Philadelphia 250’ Permit and Extended Alcohol Service Hours This Summer
The Pennsylvania General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 1218, a significant update to the Commonwealth’s Liquor Code that will impact hospitality operators, event venues and alcohol licensees, particularly those operating in Philadelphia.
03.30.26
The legislation was signed into law by the Governor on March 25, 2026, and is now known as Act 8 of 2026.
SB 1218 received broad bipartisan support, passing the Pennsylvania State Senate by a vote of 49–1 on March 18, 2026, and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a vote of 176–23 on March 26, 2026. In light of this strong bipartisan approval in both chambers, as well as support from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, the legislation was swiftly enacted into law.
Most notably, Act 8 of 2026 establishes a temporary “Philadelphia 250” permit which provides eligible licensees in Philadelphia with the ability to extend on-premises alcohol service by up to two additional hours each day. For many establishments, this effectively permits alcohol service until 4:00 a.m., creating a unique opportunity to capitalize on increased tourism and activity associated with the 250th anniversary of the United States and related international events, such as the FIFA World Cup.
Eligible applicants (including restaurants, hotels, breweries, distilleries and similar licensees) must submit an application at least 30 days in advance, pay a $500 fee, complete a city-approved nighttime safety training program and comply with public notice requirements. The City of Philadelphia retains the authority to protest the issuance of a permit, and any denial based on such a protest is not subject to appeal. Permits are valid from June 11, 2026 through July 20, 2026, and may be revoked for noncompliance.
In addition to the Philadelphia 250 permit, Act 8 of 2026 includes several other notable updates to the Liquor Code. The legislation expands the duration of special sporting event permits in 2026 for international soccer events in Philadelphia, allowing permits of up to 50 days. It also authorizes public venues, such as stadiums and entertainment facilities, to serve ready-to-draft pre-mixed keg cocktails, subject to specific safety, sanitation and recordkeeping requirements.
The law further revises the definition of ready-to-drink cocktails by reducing the allowable container size to 475 milliliters while maintaining existing alcohol content limits and clarifying classification as liquor. It also broadens eligibility for wine and spirits auction permits to include additional nonprofit organizations, including those supporting the hospitality industry. Finally, the legislation updates provisions relating to distilleries of historical significance by expanding eligibility to those established prior to 1885 and removing prior production limitations.
Act 8 of 2026 presents a unique and time-sensitive opportunity for license holders—particularly in Philadelphia—to take advantage of extended operating hours during what is expected to be a period of significant economic and tourism activity. We encourage potentially eligible licensees to begin evaluating their eligibility and preparing applications promptly to ensure compliance with all requirements.
Co-authors Michael Phillips, partner, and Leonard Altieri, associate, are members of the zoning & land use practice at Klehr Harrison.