Times Observer photo by Jon Sitler “Closed until further notice” signs at Warren’s “Wine & Spirits” state liquor store since March 17.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) announced this weekend that state stores will be taking orders by phone beginning Monday, with each customer limited to no more than six bottles.

Warren’s “Wine & Spirits” at 44 Market St., Warren (814-723-0911), is one of 175 statewide liquor stores offering “curbside pickup,” according to the PLCB. Forest County’s Fine Wine & Good Spirits, 644 Elm St., Tionesta, is also opening for phone orders and curbside pickup.

“Each store will take a limited number of orders by phone from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until the store reaches the maximum number of orders it can fulfill that day, Monday through Saturday…,” the PLCB announced at www.lcb.pa.gov.

“Curbside pickup orders will be limited to one order of no more than six bottles. Only one order will be accepted per caller, per store, per day. Callers will be guided by store staff through products available to purchase at each location. Payment by credit card will be required by phone, and all curbside pickup sales are final (no returns). Fine Wine & Good Spirits is making strides in expanding service to our customers. We ask you to remain patient if you don’t get through by phone right away. We’re optimistic our capacity to fulfill orders through our website and curbside pickup will increase in the coming weeks.”

Times Observer photo by Jon Sitler Warren’s “Wine & Spirits” at 44 Market St., Warren.

All of the state’s Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores have been closed during the governor’s coronavirus pandemic non-essential business closure order, however, the PLCB has been accepting a limited number of orders online at finewineandgoodspirits.com for direct shipment to homes and businesses. PLCB has not been able to keep up with the demand for online orders.

“A limited number of orders may be placed each day,” according to PLCB’s website. “We’ve randomized access to enable us to fulfill orders quickly and efficiently. The daily number of orders are limited to expedite processing.”

After consulting with the Wolf Administration and Department of Health, the PLCB announced the indefinite closure of all state stores on March 17, “to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.” That included online orders. Beginning April 1, PLCB resumed limited online sales.

“We believe that continuing to expand access to FineWineAndGoodSpirits.com in a controlled manner will allow us to provide access to consumers while also protecting our employees and consumers from unnecessary risk, but we acknowledge our website can’t handle the daily volume our network of nearly 600 stores supported,” said Board Chairman Tim Holden.

Pennsylvanians are also reminded of the following places and means for obtaining beverage alcohol during the current public health crisis:

— Nearly 1,000 licensed producers in Pennsylvania – including breweries, wineries, and distilleries – may still sell their own products for off-premises consumption;

— Restaurant and eating place licensees (bars, taverns, bottle shops, pizza/sub shops, supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.) can sell beer to go, up to 192 ounces (generally two six packs) per transaction;

— Restaurant licensees that also have wine expanded permits – including grocery stores and convenience stores – may also sell up to three liters of wine to go, per transaction;

— Beer distributors in Pennsylvania may continue sales for off-premises consumption;

— Residents remain able to purchase wine from more than 1,200 licensed direct wine shippers.