Nevertheless, a quiet little toast may be in order now that Pennsylvania, unprogressive in many ways and none more so than its liquor laws, has taken the commonsensical step of allowing beer distributors to open between noon and 5 p.m. on Sundays, following the recent lead of a number of state wine-and-spirits stores.

What might seem merely sensible in any other state is nevertheless significant in Pennsylvania, where the so-called blue laws once severely limited what its residents can do on the sabbath. A few vestigial restrictions remain, but Sunday beer sales by the case removes one of the greatest irritations. Currently, the only option for beer drinkers who find themselves running short that day is to go to a tavern where they can buy only one or two six-packs.