Measure introduced to support struggling hospitality businesses
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today applauded Arizona Representative Jeff Weninger for introducing legislation (HB 2773) to allow cocktails to-go from restaurants and bars – a move that will increase consumer convenience and support hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19.
“The path to recovery for Arizona’s hospitality businesses will last long beyond the end of the pandemic, and cocktails to-go has already proven to be a critical part of their survival in many states across the U.S.,” said Adam Smith, DISCUS Vice President of State Government Relations. “Making consumer-friendly measures like cocktails to-go permanent provides local bars, restaurants and distilleries with a sustained source of much-needed revenue as they get back on their feet. We applaud Representative Weninger for taking action to create additional convenience for consumers and support hospitality businesses through cocktails to-go.”
“As a restaurant and bar owner with a series six liquor license, I cannot overstate how important HB 2773 is to our industry,” said Matt Fulton, owner of Pigstail and the Whining Pig in Phoenix. “Over the past year the hospitality industry has endured incredible challenges, but one of the bright spots that has emerged is our customers’ embrace of cocktails to-go. As the industry moves from survival to recovery, cocktails to-go will play a vital role in ensuring Arizona’s place as a culinary and hospitality leader. I want to thank Rep. Weninger for bringing this important legislation forward.”
Background:
Currently, more than 30 states plus the District of Columbia are allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell cocktails to-go, bottled spirits to-go or both. Iowa and Ohio have both made cocktails to-go permanent, and other states, including Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and the District of Columbia, are considering doing the same.
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.