Statement by Distilled Spirits Council Vice President Jay Hibbard
“The hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit during COVID-19. The opportunity for Florida’s restaurants to sell distilled spirits for carry-out and delivery has been a valuable economic lifeline during these past few weeks, but the negative impacts of this pandemic will be long-lasting.
“Allowing restaurants to continue to sell to-go cocktails will help support struggling hospitality industry workers, while providing adult consumers with the convenience of enjoying their favorite restaurant’s specialty cocktail in the comfort of their home.
“We applaud Governor DeSantis for continuing to use innovative solutions to support Florida’s hospitality industry.”
Background:
Florida restaurants closed for dine-in service on March 20 via executive order. As part of that order, the governor also lifted the ban on distilled spirits take-out and delivery for restaurants as long as purchases were made with food and the spirit was delivered in a sealed container.
Currently, 30 states plus the District of Columbia are allowing restaurants and bars to sell distilled spirits for carry-out. Eighteen states plus the District of Columbia are allowing restaurants and bars to deliver distilled spirits in some form. In addition, 12 states plus the District of Columbia are now permitting curbside pickup of distilled spirits from restaurants and bars.
Some states, including Texas and New Jersey, are also considering extending these policies past COVID-19.