Georgia legislature passes bill to make to-go cocktails permanent

ATLANTA — The Georgia legislature has passed a bill that would make to-go cocktails from food establishments permanent.

Lawmakers moved to allow restaurants to sell cocktails to-go during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alcohol industry officials said that has been vital to the survival of the hospitality business.

The bill now heads to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature.

The bill will allow restaurants to sell alcoholic drinks for “off-premises consumption in approved containers under certain conditions.”

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An “approved container” means that it is sealed, has a label and does not have openings or straw holes.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated Georgia’s hospitality businesses, and it will take years for them to fully recover,” said Jay Hibbard, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Senior Vice President of State Government Relations. “Hospitality businesses are desperate for a sustained source of revenue, and cocktails to-go provide a critical lifeline.”

Kemp is expected to sign the bill, Hibbard said.

Read the full bill HERE.

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