Today, the Texas House Licensing and Administrative Procedures (LAP) Committee unanimously passed HB 1024, 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 Texas’ hospitality businesses, and it will take years for them to fully recover,” said Kristi Brown, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Senior Director of State Government Relations. “For several months now, cocktails to-go has proven to be a vital part of survival during COVID-19 for Texas businesses, and making this measure permanent will only provide increased stability in the future. We thank the House LAP committee for moving this measure forward and encourage the full House to take up and pass this bill as soon as possible.”
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:
More than 30 states plus the District of Columbia began allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell cocktails to-go as a temporary economic relief measure when COVID-19 hit the United States. Iowa and Ohio have since made cocktails to-go permanent, and now, more than 30 states are considering 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.