Governor of New York legalises drinks to-go

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the sale of to-go cocktails from bars and restaurants would be legal for the next three years.

We’re legalizing to-go drinks — to support small businesses and because I know we could all use a drink! pic.twitter.com/tLLMgzb512

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) April 7, 2022

The legalisation has come about as a means of accelerating the post-pandemic recovery of the hospitality industry. Hochul explained the decision: “New York’s nightlife and hospitality industry is second to none, and by allowing the sale of to-go drinks we will continue to support the industry’s recovery from the pandemic.”

It amends the Alcohol Beverage Control law, permitting establishments with a license to sell drinks for on-premises consumption to do so off-premises, providing that the drink is in a sealed container. Full bottles are also prohibited, a catch which came about due to concerns raised by small liquor store owners. Customers who wish to partake should also keep in mind that a “substantial food item” must also be included in the order. British readers will note parallels between this and the “is a scotch egg a substantial meal at a pub?” debacle of late 2020.

This “modernisation” of the state’s alcohol laws came about as part of Hochul’s first budget. A further measure is the establishment of a temporary 21-member commission tasked with analysing how New York’s drinking laws can be simplified. Liquor stores are now also permitted to open on Christmas Day, Replacing Andrew Cuomo in Summer 2021 after he resigned due to accusations of sexual harassment, Hochul is New York’s first female governor.

Permission was granted for drinks to-go in March 2020 under an executive order of then-Governor Cuomo, and Hochul announced her intention to reinstate it in January 2022.

After the three years have elapsed, legislators will review the law and decide whether or not to keep it.