HARRISBURG -- An effort to liberalize state regulations on beer sales took a small step forward today.

The state Senate's Law and Justice Committee approved a bill that would allow beer distributors to sell less than a full case of beer. If it gets final approval -- probably not until this fall -- distributors could sell one six pack, a 12-pack, a 15-pack or an 18-pack of beer, in addition to 24-can and 30-can cases that are sold now.

An 18-pack is a new form of packaging that has become popular in other states, officials said.

The bill also would permit bars and taverns to sell three six-packs of beer to a customer for take-out, as well as an 18-pack. Currently, bars and taverns with special beer-selling licenses are permitted to sell only one or two six-packs.

"People are demanding more variety'' in the way they purchase beer, said Sen. John Rafferty, R-Montgomery, committee chairman. Also active in pushing for the bill was Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville, minority chairman of the panel.

The bill must win approval from the Senate Appropriations Committee, the full Senate and House and then Gov. Ed Rendell. Mr. Rafferty said that with the Legislature's attention focusing on a new state budget this month, the beer bill probably won't come up for further consideration until the Legislature returns from its summer recess in late September. The Legislature expects to recess for the summer June 30.