Pennsylvania

State Overview state laws

Pennsylvania does allow state residents to own a still and can use it for the manufacture of essential oils, vinegar, distilling water, etc. But the production of moonshine is illegal.

It should be noted that Pennsylvania does offer compensation to informers for reporting people seen using a still or in possession of moonshine or distilling equipment or materials

Pennsylvania residents are allowed to produce their own beer and wine for personal and private use but not for resale.

4-492. Unlawful acts relative to malt or brewed beverages and licensees

(1) Manufacturing Without License. Except as provided herein, for any person, to manufacture malt or brewed beverages, unless such person holds a valid manufacturer's license for such purpose issued by the board. Malt or brewed beverages may be produced by any person without a license if such malt or brewed beverages are produced not for sale and total production does not exceed two hundred gallons per calendar year. Malt or brewed beverages produced in accordance with this paragraph may be used at organized affairs, exhibitions, competitions, contests, tastings or judging provided it is not sold or offered for sale.

Fuel manufacturing state laws

I was unable to find any information on fuel alcohol for this state.

Legal manufacturing licenses & regulations

Pennsylvania does offer a license to manufacture, store and transport distilled spirits Pennsylvania license for a distillery.

There are several licenses you need to request to legally manufacture spirits. Below are the federal licenses only. Additional state requirements will need to be followed as well.

You must submit a request for a license to manufacture spirits: TTB 5110.41 Basic permit.

This license only allows you to produce spirits. You also need a license for the distilling equipment / distillery: TTB 5100.24 Distilled spirit plant

For manufacturing ethanol fuel you will need to submit a request for a TTB 5110.74 for a federal license.

Posession stills & moonshine

1 1.4. Unlawful manufacture—compensation to informers.

  • (a) The efficient administration of the Liquor Code requires the suppression of the unlawful manufacture of liquor, and to that end the Board may, in its discretion, pay for information leading to the location and seizure of illicit stills and the arrest and conviction of persons engaged in the operation of the stills.
  • (b) Compensation to informers shall be based in each case upon the gallon capacity of the illicit still seized by reason of the information furnished. The amount of the compensation will be fixed by agreement between the Board and the informer, but will be paid only after the seizure of the still by the Board.

Federal laws

Current federal laws allow citizens the right to own a still and operate it for non-alcohol production.

This means legally you can:

Each state and even counties have their own laws that may supersede federal laws.

It is your responsibility to know the laws in your area.