Pennsylvania Didn’t Totally Ban Alcohol Sales
The Claim
The state of Pennsylvania totally banned the selling of alcohol.
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The claim went viral on November 23, 2020.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s investigation found that the claim is misleading. Pennsylvania did ban alcohol sales on Thanksgiving Eve in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19. Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced the ban on November 23, leading to the viral claim.
However, the suspension is temporary, only taking place from 5 PM Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve until 8 AM Thursday, Thanksgiving morning.
Wolf said about the ban: "It turns out that the biggest day for drinking is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. When people get together in that situation, it leads to an increase in the exchange of fluids, that leads to an increase in infection."
Pennsylvanians will still be able to purchase alcohol to go during the temporary ban.
