RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Two bills to make to-go cocktails permanent are making their way to the governor’s desk for signature.
On Tuesday, Feb 20, both the House and the Senate passed bills that would permit businesses that are licensed by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) to sell mixed alcoholic beverages for “off-premises consumption.”
Both bills, HB 688 and SB 635, will now head to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s desk for signature. If signed, the bills would then become law, making to-go cocktails permanent.
If the bills are not signed into law, the pandemic-era provisions that have allowed Virginia restaurants, distillers and wineries to sell cocktails to-go will expire on July 1, 2024.
“Cocktails to-go have not only been a great additional source of revenue for local bars, restaurants and distilleries, but adult consumers have come to expect the added convenience they offer,” said Andy Deloney, senior vice president and head of state public policy at Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “We applaud the Legislature for supporting Virginia businesses and consumers by passing these measures and urge the governor to sign these bills making cocktails to-go permanent.”
According to the council, 23 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws to permanently allow cocktails to-go, and nine other states still have laws in place which temporarily allow cocktails to-go.
“[Cocktails to-go] has been key for restaurateurs throughout the pandemic, and continues to be a valuable tool in the toolbox as operating costs continue to rise,” said Eric Terry, president and CEO of The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association. “From utilities to food costs and more, the restaurant industry is facing clear economic headwinds, but common-sense policy like cocktails-to-go helps keep us in business and growing.”
Cocktails to-go are intended to be consumed at home only and other laws governing alcohol consumption should always be observed.
