SB 495 extends privilege to California bars, allows delivery
Today, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) applauded Senate passage of SB 495, legislation that extends cocktails to-go privileges to bars and creates a new delivery service permit to allow third-party delivery of beverage alcohol.
“Cocktails to-go continue to be a stable and important source of revenue for California businesses and provide increased convenience for consumers,” said Andy Deloney, senior vice president and head of state public policy at DISCUS. “Allowing bars in addition to restaurants to sell cocktails to-go just makes sense. Adding delivery of these popular beverages provides further opportunities for local businesses to generate revenue and allows adult consumers to easily enjoy their favorite cocktails at home. We urge the California Assembly to pass this measure and send it to the governor’s desk for signature.”
Currently, restaurants may sell cocktails to-go for takeout through December 31, 2026.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 20 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to permanently allow cocktails to-go, and 14 others have enacted laws that allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis. Numerous states are still considering cocktails to-go legislation.
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.
BACKGROUND
States that signed legislation to make cocktails to-go permanent into law:
Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia have all made COVID-era cocktails to-go measures permanent.
States that signed legislation to allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis into law:
California (expires December 31, 2026), Colorado (expires July 1, 2025), Connecticut (expires June 4, 2024), Illinois (expires January 3, 2024), Maryland (local option – expires June 30, 2023), Massachusetts (expires April 1, 2024), Michigan (expires January 1, 2026), New Jersey (TBD), New York (expires April 9, 2025), Tennessee (expires July 1, 2023), Vermont (expires July 1, 2023) and Virginia (expires July 1, 2024) passed legislation to allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis.