Deasy bill to expand flexibility for off-site catering, nonprofits and public venues heads to governor’s desk
Rep. Dan Deasy December 17, 2025 | 2:13 PM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – State Rep. Dan Deasy, majority chair of the PA House Liquor Control Committee, announced today that his legislation to expand flexibility for off-site alcohol catering at memorial events, increase fundraising opportunities for nonprofits, and create a sporting events permit for public venues is now headed to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature.
Deasy authored the legislation (H.B. 467) to provide relief for families by waiving the seven-day notice requirement for off-site catering at end-of-life memorials. The bill would also expand special occasion permits for all 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations, allowing them to sell alcohol at fundraising events.
“During a time when families are mourning the loss of a loved one, there are many steps to organizing a memorial, often on very short notice,” said Deasy, D-Allegheny. “This bill will ease the logistical challenges by reducing the notice required for off-premises catering at these events.”
Additional Senate amendments include a new six-day Special Sporting Events Permit allowing public venues to host large events with extended hours and enhanced safety measures for alcohol service. Another amendment addresses liquor license availability by permitting the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to hold excess auctions for licenses that did not receive bids in previous rounds, under rules designed to maintain fairness and order. Finally, breweries would gain added flexibility to sell alcohol from nearby producers under certain shared-use arrangements.
“Creating a sporting events permit prepares Pennsylvania to host major events in the coming year,” Deasy added. “We worked closely with the Senate to craft language that gives venues the flexibility they need to accommodate nationally recognized events like the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh next April and the World Cup in Philadelphia.”
The House agreed to the Senate amendments on Tuesday.
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