Pennsylvania Lawmakers Move to Make Cocktails To-Go Permanent, Measure Passes Out of House Committee
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Today, the Pennsylvania House Liquor Control Committee passed HB 1154, a bill to make cocktails to-go permanent which will help support hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19 and provide increased convenience to consumers.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated Pennsylvania’s hospitality businesses, and it will take years for them to fully recover,” said David Wojnar, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Senior Vice President and Head of State Public Policy. “Cocktails to-go has proven to be a vital part of survival during COVID-19 for Pennsylvania businesses, and making this measure permanent will only provide increased stability in the future. We thank the House Liquor Control committee for moving this measure forward and encourage the full House to take up and pass this bill as soon as possible.”
Background:
More than 30 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 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.
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The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the U.S., advocating on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels. DISCUS members are committed to responsibility and encourage adults who drink to do so in moderation.