NEW YORK (WKBW) — New York Governor Kathy Hochul proposed to permanently legalize the sale of "alcohol-to-go" for bars and restaurants as part of the 2022 State of the State.
According to the State of the State:
To-go drinks were a critical revenue stream for New York’s bars and restaurants during the pandemic, helping many small businesses across the state pay their rents or mortgages. Governor Hochul will permanently allow for the sale of to-go drinks for off-premises consumption to continue supporting the recovery of bars and restaurants.
"Alcohol-to-go" came to an end in New York state in July 2020 and bars and restaurants called for the program to become permanent.
The New York State Restaurant Association released the following statement Wednesday:
The New York State Restaurant Association is thrilled to see Governor Hochul recognizes the importance of permanently allowing alcohol to-go for our struggling restaurants and bars. These are difficult times that are not letting up. The restaurant industry is being battered once again by another wave of COVID-19, colder weather restricting dining options and widespread staffing challenges. New York State must find ways to support the industry and 78% of New Yorkers want alcohol-to-go to become permanent. Governor Hochul has listened to New Yorkers, and we will fight with her to allow alcoholic beverages with takeout and delivery.
- Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association
