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, which is 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,” said Andy Deloney, senior vice president and head of state public policy at DISCUS, in a news release. “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.”
Cocktails To-Go Legislation
The budget also included a measure to allow spirits sales in movie theaters, as stated by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). Beer and wine already enjoyed this privilege.
“Adult consumers should be able to enjoy their favorite cocktails when, how and where they want,” said Deloney in the release. “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, according to DISCUS.
