Distilled Spirits Council applauds governor & legislature for supporting local businesses & consumers
Yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed SB 141 making Michigan the 23rd state to make cocktails to-go permanent in support of local businesses and consumers.
“Michigan consumers can now enjoy the added convenience of cocktails to-go on a permanent basis,” said Andy Deloney, senior vice president and head of state public policy at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). “Not only do cocktails to-go afford adult consumers the ability to take home their favorite hand-crafted cocktails, but they help support local hospitality businesses facing economic hardships. We applaud Governor Whitmer and the Legislature for making cocktails to-go permanent in support of Michigan’s consumers and businesses.”
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 23 states, including Michigan, and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to permanently allow cocktails to-go, and 10 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, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, 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), Maryland (local option – expires June 30, 2023), Massachusetts (expires April 1, 2024), New Jersey (TBD), New York (expires April 9, 2025), Tennessee (expires July 1, 2023), Vermont (expires July 1, 2023) and Virginia (expires July 1, 2024) passed legislation to allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis.