Multiple measures introduced to support struggling hospitality businesses
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today applauded Florida State Senators Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) and Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) for introducing legislation to make cocktails to-go permanent – a move that will help support hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19.
“The path to recovery will last long beyond the end of the pandemic for Florida’s hospitality businesses, and cocktails to-go has already proven to be a critical part of their survival over the last several months,” said Jay Hibbard, DISCUS Vice President of State Government Relations. “Making consumer-friendly measures like cocktails to-go permanent provides local bars, restaurants and distilleries with a sustained source of much-needed revenue as they get back on their feet. We applaud Senators Brandes and Bradley for taking action to support hospitality businesses and look forward to seeing their bills move through the legislature.”
Co-founder of St. Augustine Distillery, Philip McDaniel, highlights the need for cocktails to-go in Florida in a video message here.
This video is free to download and use for news segments.
Restaurants, bars and distilleries in Florida have been able to sell cocktails to-go since March 2020 under an executive order issued by Governor Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.). Both Senator Brandes’ and Senator Bradley’s bills require cocktails to-go to be sold in a sealed contained and with the accompaniment of food.
Background:
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. Iowa and Ohio have both made the measure permanent, and other states, including Texas, Oklahoma and the District of Columbia, are considering doing the same.
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.