Oregon become 15th state to make a COVID-era cocktails to-go measure permanent
Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed SB 317 making cocktails to-go permanent in the state – a move that will increase consumer convenience and support hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19. Oregon becomes the 15th state to make a COVID-era cocktails to-go measure permanent.
“Governor Brown supported Oregon restaurants and bars by allowing cocktails to-go during the pandemic,” said Adam Smith, vice president of state government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “Cocktails to-go provided a much-needed lifeline for struggling hospitality businesses and prevented the permanent closure of many. Now that this measure is permanent, Oregon businesses will have increased stability as they begin the long path to recovery. We applaud the legislature and Governor Brown for supporting local businesses and providing increased convenience to consumers.”
The new law becomes effective January 1, 2022. Cocktails to-go were allowed through temporary regulatory relief in response to COVID-19 which will end 60 days after the governor’s executive order expires.
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, Oregon 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.