Drink up, Chester County. Sweeping changes to state liquor laws are putting alcohol on more shelves throughout the community, including convenience stores, restaurants, supermarkets and hotels.

Starting Aug. 7, the changes — signed by Gov. Tom Wolf on June 8 — will modernize the ancient Pennsylvania Liquor Code. We asked Riley Riper Hollin & Colagreco shareholder and business law specialist Jon Jordan to break down the highlights of the new liquor laws:

• Carry-Out Beer From Convenience Stores: Licensed convenience stores may sell carry-out beer where gasoline is sold (up to two six-packs per transaction).
• Wine to Go: Licensed restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets and hotels may sell carry-out wine (up to four bottles per transaction).
• Special Occasion Permits: Certain charitable organizations are eligible for special occasion permits, which allow the sale of alcohol at fundraisers, which may be conducted on six non-consecutive days (or 10 consecutive days) per year.
• Direct Wine Shipments: Consumers may order direct shipments of wine from licensed producers, wholesalers and distributors.
• Conversion of Eating Place Licenses: Eating place licensees (which are limited to selling beer only) may, for a $30,000 fee, convert their licenses into full restaurant licenses.
• Auction of Inactive Licenses: Liquor licenses that have lapsed or been revoked will be auctioned by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board each year (up to 50 licenses per county, per year).
• State Stores: State stores may sell lottery tickets, offer customer loyalty programs and establish hours of operation on a store-by-store basis.
• Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries: Breweries may sell certain wines and spirits produced in Pennsylvania. Wineries may sell certain spirits and beers produced in Pennsylvania. Distilleries may sell certain wines and beers produced in Pennsylvania.
• Casinos: Casinos may serve alcohol 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Check out more VISTA Today news of recent changes involving liquor laws here.