Today, Governor Andy Beshear made Kentucky the third state in the nation to make a COVID-era cocktails to-go measure permanent by signing SB 67 into law.
The bill permanently allows cocktails to-go from restaurants, bars and distilleries which will increase consumer convenience and support hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19. The new law is effective immediately.
“Governor Beshear acted quickly to support Kentucky’s restaurants, bars and distilleries by allowing cocktails to-go via executive order during the pandemic,” said Jay Hibbard, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Senior Vice President of State Government Relations. “Cocktails to-go provided a much-needed lifeline for struggling on-premise locations and prevented the permanent closure of many of these businesses. Now that this measure is permanent, hospitality businesses will have increased stability throughout the pandemic and as they begin the long path to recovery. We applaud the Kentucky Legislature and Governor Beshear for supporting Kentucky’s businesses and for providing increased convenience to consumers.”
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.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the U.S., advocating on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels. DISCUS members are committed to responsibility and encourage adults who drink to do so in moderation.
