The California Legislature passed SB 389, a bill to extend cocktails to-go until December 31, 2026, which would increase consumer convenience and support hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19. The bill now heads Governor Gavin Newsom for signature.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate California’s hospitality businesses, and it will be years before they fully recover,” said Adam Smith, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Vice President of State Government Relations.“Cocktails to-go has already proven to be a vital part of their survival during COVID-19 and will provide increased stability as they work to get back on their feet. Extending cocktails to-go for five years will provide a critical lifeline for California’s bars, restaurants and distilleries. We thank the legislature for passing this bill and encourage Governor Newsome to sign this measure into law.”

During COVID-19, more than 35 states began allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell cocktails to-go as an economic relief measure via executive orders or other temporary measures. Since then, 16 states and the District of Columbia passed legislation to make cocktails to-go permanent, and 14 other states passed legislation to allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis.