The Covid-19 Pandemic has been especially hard on the hospitality industry with new announcements of permanent closures making headlines almost every day. In an effort to help support these important local small businesses Governors across the country have enacted temporary laws that allow for Cocktails-to-Go. North Carolina is the latest state to join the list.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order allowing distilleries, restaurants and bars to sell Cocktails-to-Go. This executive order goes into effect immediately and expires on January 31, 2021.
“Distilleries, restaurants and bars in North Carolina have been some of the hardest hit during COVID-19 with little to no options for revenue,” said David Wojnar, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States – DISCUS Vice President of State Government Relations.
“Being able to sell cocktails to-go will be a valuable economic lifeline that could mean the difference between staying open or shutting their doors for good. We applaud Governor Cooper for recognizing the desperate state of North Carolina’s hospitality businesses and for allowing them to sell cocktails to-go. We hope the legislature will follow suit and give restaurants and bars across the state the support they need to survive.”
Under the executive order, permitted sellers include restaurants, hotels, private bars, private clubs and distilleries. Mixed beverages sold to-go/for delivery must be sealed and labeled with a required safety statement. Mixed beverages may be delivered by an employee or a contracted third-party delivery service.
Stay Informed: Sign up here for the Distillery Trail free email newsletter and be the first to get all the latest news, trends, job listings and events in your inbox.
More Than 30 States Allow Cocktails-to-Go with 2 Making it Permanent
Currently, more than 30 states plus the District of Columbia are allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell cocktails to-go, bottled spirits to-go or both. Iowa and Ohio have both made cocktails to-go permanent, and other states, including Arizona, Missouri, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and the District of Columbia, are considering doing the same.
DISCUS added that the distilled spirits industry is committed to responsibility and encourages moderation for adults who choose to drink alcohol. Cocktails to-go are intended for home consumption. Laws governing alcohol consumption must always be observed.
View all North Carolina Distilleries.
Please help to support Distillery Trail. Sign up for our Newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
