Texas Governor Greg Abbot approved restaurants and bars holding Mixed Beverage permits to sell premixed cocktails to-go, provided they have permanent food service capabilities at the premises.
Cocktails to-go must be purchased with food and must be in a sealed container in a bag closed with a zip tie. Cocktails to-go must also be placed in non-passenger areas of motor vehicles.
“Allowing restaurants and bars to sell cocktails to-go will be a lifeline for Texas hospitality businesses as they continue to struggle with the evolving hardships caused by COVID-19,” said Dale Szyndrowski, VP-State Government Relations, Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. “As local businesses are forced to close again, this support is even more critical for restaurants and bars. This measure also allows Texas consumers to enjoy their favorite cocktails in the comfort of their home. We applaud the governor for taking this step to help local businesses.”
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. Other states, including Iowa, Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma and the District of Columbia, are considering making their policies permanent.