During a hearing today before the Connecticut General Law Committee, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) submitted testimony in support of H.B. 6548, legislation to allow cocktails to-go from restaurants and bars permanently.
The testimony, submitted by DISCUS Vice President of State Public Policy Emily Smith, underscored that cocktails to-go have provided a vital economic boost to struggling restaurants and bars.
The legislation would remove the sunset date of June 5, 2024, on the current law allowing on-premise retail alcohol licensees to sell distilled spirits and mixed drinks with a food purchase permanently. Any alcohol sold for carryout or delivery must be in a securely sealed container that prevents consumption without the removal of a tamper-evident lid, cap or seal and for it to be placed in a bag by employees prior to removal from the licensed premises.
“Cocktails to-go were allowed on a temporary basis during the pandemic to support struggling hospitality businesses which represent tens of thousands of jobs across Connecticut’s eight counties,” Smith stated in her written testimony. “Now, cocktails to-go have become a regular part of takeout dining for adult consumers in addition to providing stability for hospitality businesses as they continue to recover from the lasting impacts of COVID-19.”
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 18 states and the District of Columbia enacted laws to permanently allow cocktails to-go, and 14 others enacted laws that allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis. Numerous states are still considering cocktails to-go legislation.
“The future of the hospitality industry will be dependent upon many factors out of the control of licensees, and cocktails to-go is something that we believe is valuable to their continued recovery and long-term growth,” Smith continued.
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, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, 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), Maine (expires March 30, 2025), Maryland (local option – expires June 30, 2023), Massachusetts (expires April 1, 2023), Michigan (expires January 1, 2026), New Jersey (TBD), New York (expires April 9, 2025), Tennessee (expires July 1, 2023), Vermont (expires July 1, 2023), Virginia (expires July 1, 2022) and Washington (expires July 1, 2023) passed legislation to allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis.