Statement by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

“Chicago is known as one of the best restaurant cities in America, and allowing cocktails to-go will provide a much-needed revenue source to support these struggling hospitality businesses as they get back up and running,” said Dale Szyndrowski, DISCUS vice president of State Government Relations. “Restaurants and bars have been some of the hardest-hit during COVID-19, and we are thankful for this decisive show of support from the city council.”

Background

On June 2, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed HB2682 which allows cocktails to-go throughout Illinois. The ordinance passed by the Chicago City Council has a sunset date that is the same as the state sunset date of June 2, 2021.

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. Some states, including Texas, Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma, Iowa and the District of Columbia, are considering making these policies permanent.

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.