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# DISCUS Urges Connecticut to Make Cocktails to Go Permanent
- URL: https://bevnews.net/discus-urges-connecticut-to-make-cocktails-to-go-permanent/
- Published: 2023-02-01T01:08:47.000Z
- Updated: 2023-02-03T14:10:47.000Z
- Author: Joel Whitaker
- Tags: Legislation

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.