Move supports hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order today allowing distilleries, restaurants and bars to sell cocktails to-go. This executive order goes into effect today, December 21, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. and expires on January 31, 2021.
“Distilleries, restaurants and bars in North Carolina have been some of the hardest hit during COVID-19 with little to no options for revenue,” said David Wojnar, Distilled Spirits Council Vice President of State Government Relations. “Being able to sell cocktails to-go will be a valuable economic lifeline that could mean the difference between staying open or shutting their doors for good. We applaud Governor Cooper for recognizing the desperate state of North Carolina’s hospitality businesses and for allowing them to sell cocktails to-go. We hope the legislature will follow suit and give restaurants and bars across the state the support they need to survive.”
Under the executive order, permitted sellers include restaurants, hotels, private bars, private clubs and distilleries. Mixed beverages sold to-go/for delivery must be sealed and labeled with a required safety statement. Mixed beverages may be delivered by an employee or a contracted third-party delivery service.
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 cocktails to-go permanent, and other states, including Arizona, Missouri, Texas, Florida, 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.