New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed the budget which included a five-year extension for cocktails to-go from restaurants, bars and taverns. The measure also allows spirits to be sold alongside beer and wine in movie theaters, an added convenience for adult consumers.

“New York consumers and hospitality businesses can all toast to the fact that cocktails to-go have been extended for another five years in the state,” Andy Deloney, senior vice president and head of state public policy at DISCUS, said. “During the pandemic, cocktails to-go were a critical source of revenue for many businesses, and now, the increased convenience and stability they offer is an integral part of local business and adult dining.”

The budget also included a measure to allow spirits sales in movie theaters. Beer and wine already enjoyed this privilege.

“Adult consumers should be able to enjoy their favorite cocktails when, how and where they want,” Deloney said. “Allowing spirits to be sold alongside beer and wine in movie theaters just makes sense. We applaud the Legislature and Governor Hochul for supporting New York businesses and consumers by extending cocktails to-go and increasing convenience.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 26 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to permanently allow cocktails to-go, and six others have enacted laws that allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis. Numerous states are still considering cocktails to-go legislation.

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.

Cocktails-to-go Now Permanent in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed the supplemental budget bill, which includes a key provision to permanently allow cocktails to-go in the state in support of local businesses and adult consumers.

The temporary measure expired on April 1.

“Massachusetts consumers, restaurants and bars can all toast to the fact that cocktails to-go are here to stay,” Deloney said. “During the pandemic, cocktails to-go were a critical source of revenue for many businesses, and now, the increased convenience and stability they offer is permanent. We applaud the Legislature and Governor Healey for supporting Massachusetts businesses and consumers by making cocktails to-go permanent.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 27 states, including Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to permanently allow cocktails to-go, and six others have enacted laws that allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis. Numerous states are still considering cocktails to-go legislation.

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.

To learn more about DISCUS, visit https://www.distilledspirits.org/.