The Missouri Legislature passed SB 126 on Friday, a bill making cocktails to-go from restaurants, bars and distilleries permanent. The bill heads to Governor Mike Parson for his signature.
“Governor Parson has supported Missouri’s restaurants, bars and distilleries by allowing cocktails to-go via executive order during the pandemic,” said Kristi Brown, Distilled Spirits Council Senior Director of State Government Relations. “Cocktails to-go provided a much-needed lifeline for struggling hospitality businesses and prevented the permanent closure of many. Now that this measure is permanent, Missouri businesses will have increased stability as they begin the long path to recovery. We applaud the legislature and Governor Parson for supporting local businesses and for providing increased convenience to consumers.”
SB 126 requires cocktails to-go to be in a sealed, tamperproof container and accompanied by a food purchase.
Background:
More than 35 states began allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell cocktails to-go as a COVID economic relief measure. Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Montana, Arkansas, West Virginia, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida and the District of Columbia have all made COVID-era cocktails to-go measures permanent. Dozens of other states are also considering legislation to extend or make permanent cocktails to-go measures.
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.