50949_WKBW_7_Problem_Solvers_658x90.png

Actions

NYS Restaurant Assoc. calls for takeout, delivery of alcoholic beverages to be permanent

Posted at 11:51 AM, Jul 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-07 11:53:46-04

NEW YORK (WKBW) — The New York State Restaurant Association is calling for the state to permanently allow the sale of alcohol with takeout and delivery orders.

The state currently allows the sale of alcohol with those orders, but only on a temporary basis due to an executive order associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NYS Restaurant Association shared a survey that says 86 percent of New York adults are in favor of permanently allowing the sale of alcohol with takeout and delivery.

“Governor Cuomo provided a lifeline for the industry by allowing for takeout and delivery of alcoholic beverages during the height of the pandemic,” said Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association. “Not only have restaurants embraced this change, but so has the general public. We know that takeout and delivery will be an important part of restaurants sales moving forward, and we want alcoholic beverages to be part of that equation. Just about every restaurant in the state has been crushed this year and continuing alcohol to-go will help them all get back on their feet.”

The online survey of 500 NY residents age 18 and older from June 25-30 provided the following:

• 93% of New Yorkers ages 24-39 support measures to make the purchase of takeout or delivery alcoholic beverages permanent

• 90% of New Yorkers ages 40-55 support measures to make the purchase of takeout or delivery alcoholic beverages permanent

“Our members need this measure to become permanent for their restaurants to survive,” added Fleischut. “Since the start of the pandemic, the industry lost 80% of its jobs. And while some are coming back, we’re not back to pre-pandemic levels. We are supportive of any measure that will boost sales and help us get our employees who were laid off or furloughed back to work.”