FOOD

Happy hour rules are changing; what it means for you

Portrait of J. Staas Haught J. Staas Haught
USA TODAY NETWORK

If you like to shake off the work day with a discounted drink at your favorite bar, Pennsylvania’s new happy hour rules will give you more time to unwind. 

House Bill 829, which has recently passed the state Senate, aims to modernize the happy hour experience across the state. 

Here’s what you need to know:

When is happy hour?

Currently, Pennsylvania’s happy hour is capped at four hours per day and 14 hours per week. With the new rules, happy hour can extend to 24 hours per week, with no restriction on the number of hours per day.

And if you like to have a bite of bar food while you sip a cocktail, the new rules will really stand out. Currently, Pennsylvania does not allow combo deals that include alcoholic drinks. But, the new rules will let bars and restaurants to sell two food-and-drink combos each day.

And hosted events will now be able to include up to two drinks in the ticket price.

What is happy hour?

Indiana recently legalized happy hour, with restrictions similar to Pennsylvania’s.

Each state has their own rules governing alcohol sales, including happy hours and promotions.

  • In New Jersey, happy hour is permitted but regulated. Bars and restaurants can offer discounted drinks, but typically within a set few hours each day. Promotions such as “all-you-can-drink” and “two-for-one” deals are not allowed.
  • In Delaware, the law allows happy hours with specific time frames, often for a few hours around 5 p.m. Delaware also bans excessive promotions like “all-you-can-drink” and “two-for-one” deals.
  • Ohio allows happy hours with no specific time restrictions but prohibits promotions that encourage excessive drinking, such as “all-you-can-drink” deals.
  • Maryland permits happy hours with restrictions on time frames and prohibits promotions like “all-you-can-drink” and “two-for-one” deals to prevent excessive drinking.
  • Happy hour regulations in New York vary by locality, with some areas allowing limited-time drink specials and others enforcing strict bans on all types of happy hour promotions.

Happy hour likely got its start in the U.S. Navy during the 1920s as time set aside for recreation and entertainment on ships and spread to include social activities like drinking.

It worked its way into civilian life and took off in bars.