Senators Kevin Priola and Jeff Bridges introduced bipartisan legislation this week to allow local distilleries, restaurants and bars in Colorado to sell alcohol and cocktails to-go in an effort to support the state’s struggling hospitality industry during COVID-19.
“We greatly appreciate Senators Priola and Bridges for introducing legislation to allow cocktails to-go in Colorado,” said Chris Swonger, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States president and CEO. “Across Colorado, distilleries, restaurants and bars are barely hanging on. Many of these are family-owned businesses that can never be replaced. Cocktails to-go provide increased consumer convenience as well as a critical revenue stream for hospitality businesses as they work to cope with the economic hardships caused by COVID-19. The path to recovery will last long beyond the end of this pandemic, but cocktails to-go can generate a much-needed boost as these businesses slowly regain their footing.”
“Restaurants need alcohol to-go and delivery to survive the aftermath of COVID-19 closures,” said Sonia Riggs, Colorado Restaurant Association CEO and president. “Under current conditions, nearly half are under threat of closing permanently within three months. Alcohol to-go and delivery gives them a much needed revenue stream and a better chance at making it. Moreover, it’s clear that consumers want this – 85 percent of Colorado adults said they favored keeping alcohol to-go and delivery in a recent poll. We’re grateful to Senators Priola and Bridges for taking up this effort to save Colorado restaurants.”
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
“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:
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. Eighteen states plus the District of Columbia are allowing restaurants and/or bars to deliver distilled spirits in some form. In addition, 14 states plus the District of Columbia are now permitting curbside pickup of distilled spirits from restaurants and/or bars.
The distilled spirits industry is committed to responsibility and encourages moderation for adults who choose to drink alcohol. To-go alcohol beverages are intended fr home consumption. Laws governing alcohol consumption must always be observed.