Governor Jared Polis today signed a measure extending alcohol and cocktails to-go for local distilleries, restaurants and bars in Colorado until July 1, 2021, in an effort to support the state’s struggling hospitality industry during COVID-19.
“Colorado restaurants and taverns have been incredibly hard-hit by COVID,” said Senator Jeff Bridges. “Our bill gives these small businesses a way to stay open and keep their people employed.”
“We applaud Governor Polis for extending cocktails to-go and continuing a valuable economic lifeline for hospitality businesses in Colorado,” said Chris Swonger, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States president and CEO. “Local distilleries, restaurants and bars have been some of the hardest hit during COVID-19, and extending sales of cocktails to-go will provide additional stability and support. It’s going to be a long road ahead for many of these small businesses, but common-sense solutions like cocktails to-go will certainly help as they get back up and running. We thank Senator Bridges for championing this bill and for his efforts to move it forward in the legislature.”
“We are grateful to Governor Polis for signing Senate Bill 213, which allows restaurants and bars to sell alcohol to-go and for delivery for another year,” said Sonia Riggs, Colorado Restaurant Association CEO and president. “For many establishments, this additional revenue stream will be the difference between closing permanently and being able to survive for a few more months.”
“The ability to sell alcohol for takeout and delivery has saved many restaurants from going out of business during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Stephanie Fransen Hicks, Tavern League of Colorado executive director. “However, the majority of traditional taverns and bars were unable to participate due to their limited food menu. Passing legislation to allow restaurants and bars to continue selling alcohol for takeout and delivery is necessary in ensuring as many of our valued, local businesses survive the grueling economic recovery period we have ahead of us.”
Background:
According to the Colorado Restaurant Association:
- 87% of restaurants are making revenue from alcohol to-go and delivery
- 1 in 5 restaurants say they are making significant revenue
- 85% of Colorado adults say they favor making alcohol to-go and delivery permanent
- 1 in 3 Colorado adults say they purchased takeout or delivery alcohol in the last week
Currently, more than 30 states plus the District of Columbia are allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell cocktails to-go, bottled spirits to-go or both. The distilled spirits industry is committed to responsibility and encourages moderation for adults who choose to drink alcohol. To-go beverage alcohol is intended for home consumption. Laws governing alcohol consumption must always be observed.