The legislature passed a measure today extending alcohol and cocktails to-go for
local distilleries, restaurants and bars in Colorado in an effort to support the state’s struggling
hospitality industry during COVID-19.
“Cocktails to-go has proved to be a valuable economic lifeline for hospitality businesses in
Colorado,” said Chris Swonger, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States president and
CEO. “As the state begins to slowly reopen, the financial hardships faced by local distilleries,
restaurants and bars remain. Extending cocktails to-go is crucial to many of these businesses’
survival. We encourage Governor Polis to act swiftly in signing this legislation to ensure
much-needed stability for Colorado businesses.”
“We are so grateful to the Colorado Legislature for passing Senate Bill 20-213, and we’re
deeply appreciative of Senators Bridges, Priola and Zenzinger, and Representatives Roberts
and Larson for taking up this cause,” said Sonia Riggs, Colorado Restaurant Association CEO
and president. “This bill provides critical relief for an industry that has been uniquely hard-hit
by COVID-19 — for some it will literally be the difference between surviving and closing. This
is a big win for Colorado restaurants and for diners who want more options as we navigate
reopening.”
“We are thrilled about the passage of SB20-213 and are so grateful to the Colorado
Legislature for supporting this bill,” said Stephanie Fransen Hicks, Tavern League of
Colorado executive director. “Thank you to Senators Jeff Bridges, Kevin Priola, Rachel
Zenzinger, and Representatives Dylan Roberts and Colin Larson for their dedication to this
issue. Colorado’s hospitality industry has suffered catastrophic damage due to the COVID-19
pandemic. SB20-213 is critical to the survival of this industry and provides much needed
operational certainty and flexibility to bars and restaurants that are trying to keep their doors
open during this transition.”
Background:
According to the Colorado Restaurant Association:
● 87% of restaurants are making revenue from alcohol to-go and delivery
● 1 in 5 restaurants say they are making significant revenue
● 85% of Colorado adults say they favor making alcohol to-go and delivery permanent
● 1 in 3 Colorado adults say they purchased takeout or delivery alcohol in the last week
Currently, 33 states plus the District of Columbia are allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell
cocktails to-go, bottled spirits to-go or both. The distilled spirits industry is committed to
responsibility and encourages moderation for adults who choose to drink alcohol. To-go
alcohol beverages are intended for home consumption. Laws governing alcohol consumption
must always be observed.