Governor Inslee signed bill making the consumer- & business-friendly measure permanent
Today, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) applauded Governor Jay Inslee for signing SB 5448, legislation to permanently allow cocktails to-go from restaurants and bars in Washington. The new law takes effect on July 1.
“We are glad to see Washington be the 20th state to make cocktails to-go permanent in support of local restaurants and consumers,” said Adam Smith, vice president of state government relations at DISCUS. “There is no doubt cocktails to-go provided much-needed support for businesses during the pandemic, and now bars and restaurants can count on this critical revenue stream permanently. Plus, adult consumers will continue to enjoy their favorite cocktails with their takeout orders. We thank the Washington Legislature and Governor Inslee for codifying this consumer- and business-friendly measure into law.”
The temporary law was set to expire on June 30, 2023. The new law permanently allows certain beverage alcohol licensees to sell beer, wine and approved mixed drinks with a food purchase. Mixed drinks must be in sealed containers, appropriately labeled and placed in the trunk or non-passenger compartments of a vehicle.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 20 states, including Washington, 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.