Michigan bars and restaurants will be able to sell cocktails to-go in sealed containers until Dec. 31, 2025, under legislation passed by the legislature and sent to the governor.
“By approving cocktails to-go, the legislature is throwing a much-needed economic lifeline to Michigan restaurants and bars,” said David Wojnar, VP-State Government Relations, Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. “Cocktails to-go will provide an important revenue boost to hospitality businesses as they begin to recover from the financial hardships created by COVID-19. We encourage Governor Whitmer to sign cocktails to-go into law as soon as possible to get Michigan’s hospitality businesses the support they need.”
“The MLBA has been working diligently to make sure this bill gets signed into law,” said Scott Ellis, executive director, Michigan Licensed Beverage Association. “It was great to see all the industry groups work together on this impactful legislation that will help not only MLBA members, but all 8,500 on-premises licensees throughout Michigan.”
“We are encouraged by the speed at which the legislature moved on this bill after learning how it will provide support to the hospitality industry after it was impacted by COVID-19,” said Sam Awdish, Michigan Spirits Association president. “We are hopeful that Governor Whitmer will sign cocktails to-go into law before the upcoming holiday weekend.”
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. Some states, including Texas, Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma, Iowa and the District of Columbia, are considering making these policies permanent.
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.