Measure will provide support to struggling hospitality businesses
Tonight, the Rhode Island House passed HB 5105, a bill to allow cocktails to-go from restaurants and bars until December 31, 2022 – increasing consumer convenience and supporting hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated Rhode Island’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 already proven to be a vital part of their survival during COVID-19 and will only provide increased stability. Local restaurants and bars are desperate for a sustained source of revenue, and cocktails to-go would provide a critical lifeline. We thank the House for passing this measure and encourage the Senate to extend cocktails to-go to provide certainty for Rhode Island’s hospitality businesses.”
Background:
Currently, more than 30 states plus the District of Columbia are allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell cocktails to-go. Iowa and Ohio have both made cocktails to-go permanent, and more than 30 states are considering allowing, extending or making 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.