Measure heads to Senate, would provide support to struggling hospitality businesses

Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed AB32, a bill allowing cocktails to-go from restaurants and taverns – 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 Wisconsin’s 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. “Wisconsin businesses have been hit particularly hard, and it is well past time they receive some relief. Cocktails to-go provides certainty and stability for Wisconsin’s restaurants and taverns while increasing convenience for consumers. We thank the State Assembly for passing this business- and consumer-friendly measure and encourage the Senate to take up and pass this bill as soon as possible.”

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.