Measure also included increased market access for spirits consumers
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed the budget which included a five-year extension for cocktails to-go from restaurants, bars and taverns. The measure also allows spirits to be sold alongside beer and wine in movie theaters, an added convenience for adult consumers.
“New York consumers and hospitality businesses can all toast to the fact that cocktails to-go have been extended for another five years in the state,” said Andy Deloney, senior vice president and head of state public policy at DISCUS. “During the pandemic, cocktails to-go were a critical source of revenue for many businesses, and now, the increased convenience and stability they offer is an integral part of local business and adult dining.”
The budget also included a measure to allow spirits sales in movie theaters. Beer and wine already enjoyed this privilege.
“Adult consumers should be able to enjoy their favorite cocktails when, how and where they want,” said Deloney. “Allowing spirits to be sold alongside beer and wine in movie theaters just makes sense. We applaud the Legislature and Governor Hochul for supporting New York businesses and consumers by extending cocktails to-go and increasing convenience.”
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 26 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to permanently allow cocktails to-go, and six 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, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, 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), Illinois (expires August 1, 2028), New Jersey (TBD), New York (expires April 9, 2030) and Vermont (expires July 1, 2025) passed legislation to allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis.