Today, the Pennsylvania Senate Law and Justice Committee passed HB 1154, a bill to make cocktails to-go permanent – increasing consumer convenience and supporting hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19. The bill now goes to the full Senate for a vote.

“Cocktails to-go have proved to be a vital economic lifeline for hospitality businesses across the commonwealth, and now, Pennsylvanians are one step closer to enjoying cocktails to-go on a permanent basis,” said David Wojnar, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Senior Vice President and Head of State Public Policy. “Pennsylvania businesses have been hit particularly hard and making cocktails to-go permanent will provide increased stability for restaurants and bars while increasing convenience for consumers.”

The bill was amended to also allow the sale of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails from state stores, grocery stores, convenience stores, beer distributors and local bars – all of which currently sell malt- and wine-based RTDs.

“Allowing spirits-based RTDs to be sold at additional retail outlets that already sell beverage alcohol will increase consumer convenience and provide additional tax revenue to the commonwealth,” Wojnar said. “We thank Chairman Regan for supporting this consumer-friendly measure and urge the Senate to pass this bill swiftly.”

In Pennsylvania, there are 0.6 spirits outlets per 10,000 people – well below the national average of 3.4 outlets per 10,000 people.

Cocktails To-Go 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, Oregon 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.