Temporary measure expired on April 1
The Massachusetts Legislature recently passed its supplemental budget bill, which includes a key provision to permanently allow cocktails to-go in the state in support of local businesses and adult consumers.
The temporary measure expired on April 1.
“Adult consumers have enjoyed cocktails to-go in Massachusetts for nearly four years now and businesses have benefited from the added revenue,” said Andy Deloney, senior vice president & head of state public policy at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “Taking away this revenue generator for businesses and this convenient option for consumers simply doesn’t make sense. We are grateful the legislature has approved this bill and urge the governor to sign it, reinstating and making cocktails to-go permanent in Massachusetts.”
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 26 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to permanently allow cocktails to-go, and six 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, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, 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), Illinois (expires August 1, 2028), New Jersey (TBD), New York (expires April 9, 2025) and Vermont (expires July 1, 2025) passed legislation to allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis.