Distilled Spirits Council urges governor to sign bill in support of local businesses & consumers
Today, the Michigan House of Representatives passed SB 141, legislation to allow cocktails to-go from restaurants and bars permanently. The measure now heads to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for signature.
“Michiganders are one step closer to enjoying their favorite cocktails to-go on a permanent basis,” said Andy Deloney, senior vice president and head of state public policy at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). “Cocktails to-go have become a regular part of takeout dining for adult consumers and a stable source of revenue for hospitality businesses. With continued economic challenges like staffing shortages, supply chain issues and record-high inflation, it just makes sense to make this consumer- and business-friendly measure permanent. We urge Governor Whitmer to sign this measure in support of Michigan’s businesses and consumers.”
The bill eliminates the January 1, 2026, sunset on the current temporary cocktails-to-go statute, and allows any on-premise licensee, including manufacturers, to sell cocktails to-go. On-premise retail licensees may deliver using employees or third-party agents, while manufacturers may only deliver using employees.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 22 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to permanently allow cocktails to-go, and 11 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, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, 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), Illinois (expires August 1, 2028), 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.