Cocktails to-go are soon to be a permanent fixture of Washington food service business.
The Washington State Senate gave final approval Tuesday to Senate Bill 5448, legislation making it legal for restaurants and breweries to serve cocktails to-go permanently.
The temporary law was enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic and is set to expire June 30.
Under the legislation, businesses with the proper licenses can sell beer, wine, and approved mixed drinks with a to-go food order. The bill now heads to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk for his signature.
“Consumers across the state have enjoyed cocktails to-go for the last few years, and making this option permanent increases convenience while supporting local business,” said Adam Smith, vice president of state government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “We are grateful the Washington legislature recognized the benefits of cocktails to-go for consumers and hospitality businesses and passed this legislation.”
Since the start of the pandemic, 18 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws allowing for the permanent sale of cocktails to-go, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.
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