Today, the Texas House passed HB 1024 by a vote of 144-1 which would make cocktails to-go permanent and help support hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19 and provide increased convenience to consumers. This bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
“Cocktails to-go has proved to be a vital economic lifeline for hospitality businesses across the state, and now, Texans are one step closer to enjoying cocktails to-go on a permanent basis,” said Kristi Brown, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Senior Director of State Government Relations. “Texas businesses have been hit particularly hard and making cocktails to-go permanent will provide certainty and stability for the state’s restaurants, bars and distilleries while increasing convenience for consumers. We thank the House for passing this bill and urge the Senate to take up and pass cocktails to-go permanency.”
Restaurants and bars in Texas have been able to sell cocktails to-go since June 2020 under an executive order issued by Governor Greg Abbott. HB 1024 requires cocktails to-go to be sold in a sealed, tamper-proof container with the accompaniment of food.
Background:
Currently, more than 30 states plus the District of Columbia are allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell cocktails to-go. Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky and the District of Columbia have all made COVID-era cocktails to-go measures permanent. More than 30 other states are also 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.