Delaware Governor John Carney (D) signed HB 290 making cocktails to-go permanent in the state. Delaware becomes the 17th state to make cocktails to-go permanent.
The new law became effective immediately on February 16, 2022. Cocktails to-go were allowed through temporary regulatory relief in response to COVID-19 which was set to expire on March 31.
“Gov. Carney supported Delaware restaurants and bars by allowing cocktails to-go during the pandemic,” said Jay Hibbard, senior vp-state government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “Cocktails to-go provided a much-needed lifeline for struggling hospitality businesses and prevented the permanent closure of many. Now that this measure is permanent, Delaware businesses will have increased stability as they continue their long path to economic recovery. We applaud the legislature and Gov. Carney for supporting local businesses and providing increased convenience to consumers.”