DISCUS Urges Connecticut to Make Cocktails to Go Permanent

Connecticut legislators are considering a bill removing the sunset date of June 5, 2024, on current law allowing on-premise licensees to sell distilled spirits and mixed drinks with a food purchase.  The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. urged passage of the measure.

“Cocktails to-go were allowed on a temporary basis during the pandemic to support struggling hospitality businesses which represent tens of thousands of jobs across Connecticut’s eight counties,” DISCUS Vice President of State Public Policy Emily Smith said in written testimony to the Connecticut General Law Committee.

“Now, cocktails to-go have become a regular part of takeout dining for adult consumers in addition to providing stability for hospitality businesses as they continue to recover from the lasting impacts of COVID-19.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 18 states and the District of Columbia enacted laws to permanently allow cocktails to-go, and 14 others enacted laws that allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis. Numerous states are still considering cocktails to-go legislation.

“The future of the hospitality industry will be dependent upon many factors out of the control of licensees, and cocktails to-go is something that we believe is valuable to their continued recovery and long-term growth,” Smith continued.