SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker today signed SB104 extending cocktails to-go until January 1, 2024. The bill includes mixed beverages in sealed, tamper-evident containers as well as manufacturer-sealed containers.
“The pandemic has devastated Illinois’ hospitality businesses, and it will take years for them to fully recover,” said Kristi Brown, Distilled Spirits Council Senior Director of State Government Relations. “Cocktails to-go have proven to be a vital part of their survival during COVID-19 and will only provide increased stability in the future. Local restaurants and bars are desperate for a sustained source of revenue, and cocktails to-go provide a critical lifeline for these businesses. We thank the legislature and Governor Pritzker for extending cocktails to-go in support of Illinois’ hospitality businesses.”
Fourteen states have currently made COVID-19 era cocktails to-go measures permanent and six have extended cocktails to-go through legislation.
Background:
More than 35 states began allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell cocktails to-go as a COVID economic relief measure. Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Montana, Arkansas, West Virginia, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, Kansas, Arizona, Nebraska and the District of Columbia have all made COVID-era cocktails to-go measures permanent. Dozens of other states are also considering legislation to extend or make permanent cocktails to-go measures.
The distilled spirits industry is committed to responsibility and encourages moderation for adults who choose to drink alcohol. Cocktails to-go are intended for home consumption. Laws governing alcohol consumption must always be observed.
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The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the U.S., advocating on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels. DISCUS members are committed to responsibility and encourage adults who drink to do so in moderation.