Cocktails-to-go should be permanent in New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in her State-of-the-State address.
“This is great news for New York’s hard-hit hospitality industry, said Lisa Hawkins, semor vp-public affairs, Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. “Restaurants have a very challenging road ahead with the lingering pandemic and staffing shortages. Recovery is going to take some time and making cocktails to-go permanent will provide these businesses with a stable revenue source as they begin to bounce back.
“Sixteen states plus the District of Columbia have made cocktails to-go permanent and 15 states have passed legislation to extend the measure long-term. Legislators in these states have been extremely receptive to cocktails to-go because they recognize that restaurants help boost jobs and tourism, and generate important tax revenue for the state.”