Kentucky became the third state in the nation to make a COVID-era cocktails to-go measure permanent as Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed SB 67.
The bill permanently allows cocktails to-go from restaurants, bars and distilleries which will increase consumer convenience and support hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19. The new law is effective immediately.
“Gov. Beshear acted quickly to support Kentucky’s restaurants, bars and distilleries by allowing cocktails to-go via executive order during the pandemic,” said Jay Hibbard, Senior Vice President of State Government Relations, Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.
“Cocktails to-go provided a much-needed lifeline for struggling on-premise locations and prevented the permanent closure of many of these businesses. Now that this measure is permanent, hospitality businesses will have increased stability throughout the pandemic and as they begin the long path to recovery. We applaud the Kentucky Legislature and Governor Beshear for supporting Kentucky’s businesses and for providing increased convenience to consumers.”
Currently, more than 30 states plus the District of Columbia are allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell cocktails to-go. Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky and the District of Columbia have all made COVID-era cocktails to-go measures permanent. More than 30 other states are also considering allowing, extending or making permanent cocktails to-go measures.