As restaurants across the country close for only takeout orders, some states are allowing alcoholic beverages to be included.
Republican New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu issued an emergency order on Wednesday, allowing “temporary authorization for take-out or delivery beer or wine.” The order comes two days after the state prohibited in-person dining at restaurants in the state.
“We appreciate the sacrifices many have made throughout COVID-19 developments,” Sununu said, according to the Foster’s Daily Democrat. “This emergency order will allow for patrons to also order beer and wine from their favorite restaurants when ordering pickup or delivery.”
Restaurant owners expressed approval with the move, with some noting how it will help their businesses during the economic slowdown.
“Hell yeah. I think that would entice people,” said Aaron Jones, owner of Mojo’s BBQ Grill and Tavern in Portsmouth. “At this point, everybody’s scrambling. On Sunday, I had no idea I’d be where I am today.”
The move follows other states that are also allowing alcohol to be taken out during the restaurant shutdowns. The emergency order from Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan banning on-premise drinking and dining also allows customers to order their booze to go.
In New York, the State Liquor Authority announced Tuesday that residents could also purchase takeout beverages as long as restaurants follow open-container laws and only if customers also order food along with the alcohol.
In Washington, D.C., the city council passed a bill that allows beer, wine, and spirits in takeout and delivery orders, although the orders must also be accompanied by a food item prepared at the restaurant and be in sealed containers.
Other states already allow alcohol shipments from breweries and distilleries, as well as out-of-state shipping.
Shutdowns of restaurants and other facilities are expected to grow in the coming days as the coronavirus sweeps across the country. A top doctor assisting the U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic said Wednesday that people should expect a large spike in confirmed cases as testing becomes more readily available.
In the United States, there have been 7,324 cases of the coronavirus, 17 recoveries, and 115 deaths, according to the latest reading by the Johns Hopkins University tracker.
