Measure heads to Governor Brown for signature
The Oregon Legislature passed SB 317 yesterday, a bill to permanently allow cocktails to-go – increasing consumer convenience and supporting hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19. The bill now heads Governor Kate Brown’s desk for signature.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated Oregon’s hospitality businesses, and it will take years for them to fully recover,” said Adam Smith, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Vice President of State Government Relations. “Cocktails to-go has already proven to be a vital part of their survival during COVID-19 and will provide increased stability in the years to come. Local restaurants, bars and distilleries are desperate for a sustained source of revenue, and making cocktails to-go permanent provides a critical lifeline as they get back on their feet. We thank the legislature for passing this measure and encourage Governor Brown to sign this bill and make cocktails to-go permanent.”
Fourteen states have currently made COVID-19 era cocktails to-go measures permanent and six others have extended cocktails to-go through legislation.
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, Kansas, Arizona, Nebraska 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.