In PA, It's Still Illegal To Buy Booze Outside the State and Bring it Back

Prohibition is over, folks

HARRISBURG — The Keystone State's Prohibition-era liquor laws might encourage some residents to buy alcohol from other states and bring it back to Pennsylvania.

It used to be called bootlegging, which refers to the illegal manufacture, sale or distribution of alcohol. Yet Pennsylvania has a criminal statute that still prohibits the practice.

The past few weeks have featured rampant discussion on the pros and cons of the state's alcoholic beverage control system as the state House passed House Bill 790, which would sell off the state system and create a private liquor business.

Peppering the discussion was talk of  "border bleed"— Pennsylvanians who drive to other states to buy alcohol.