The Virginia House of Delegates and Senate approved the other chamber’s bills to make to-go cocktails legal on a permanent basis, sending the pieces of legislation to Gov. Glenn Youngkin‘s (R-VA) desk for approval.
The twin bills, Senate Bill 635 and House Bill 688, were approved, 82-16 and 40-0, respectively, on Thursday.
Both bills would extend the policy, originally instituted via an order by then-Gov. Ralph Northam (D-VA) in April 2020, past the July expiration and make the “sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption” allowed permanently with regulation. Youngkin previously signed an extension to the policy into law in 2022.
One of the key groups pushing for states to make to-go cocktail laws permanent, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, celebrated the action in a statement on Wednesday. Andy Deloney, senior vice president and head of state public policy at the council, touted the convenience for consumers and the boost for businesses that to-go cocktails offer.
“Cocktails to-go have not only been a great additional source of revenue for local bars, restaurants and distilleries, but adult consumers have come to expect the added convenience they offer,” Deloney said in a statement. “We applaud the Legislature for supporting Virginia businesses and consumers by passing these measures and urge the governor to sign these bills making cocktails to-go permanent.”
The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association also applauded the passage of the bills, with president and CEO Eric Terry saying the group is “very excited” about the development for businesses.
“It has been key for restaurateurs throughout the pandemic, and continues to be a valuable tool in the toolbox as operating costs continue to rise,” Terry said in a statement. “From utilities to food costs and more, the restaurant industry is facing clear economic headwinds, but common-sense policy like cocktails-to-go helps keep us in business and growing. The data paints a clear picture that restaurants are following the proper laws and procedures, and we look forward to a bright future in the Commonwealth for this policy.”
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Virginia would become the 24th state, along with the District of Columbia, to make to-go cocktail laws implemented during the pandemic permanent if Youngkin decides to sign either of the bills into law.
Several other states, including Massachusetts, California, and New York, allow to-go cocktails, but those measures are set to expire in the coming years. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) is pushing to make to-go cocktails permanent in the Empire State, as the law allowing them expires in 2025.
