Hochul rallies support for to-go sales of cocktails
ABC News
New York could legalize to-go sales of cocktails, bottles of wine and other alcoholic beverages under a proposal Gov. Kathy Hochul boosted Wednesday at a wine bar in Brooklyn
New Yorkers could again buy takeout cocktails at restaurants and bars under a proposal Gov. Kathy Hochul boosted Wednesday, although state regulators could end up limiting how much alcohol patrons could buy and when.
Restaurant and bar owners have urged Hochul to reinstitute the sale of to-go alcoholic drinks, which the state temporarily authorized at the pandemic's onset. The policy proved popular with customers, but ended in late June 2021.
Hochul included the permanent legalization of takeout alcoholic beverages in her proposed budget, which she’s finalizing with lawmakers this month. If passed, the public would have a chance to comment on regulations for to-go sales.
“Yes, there has been opposition in the past, but I’m willing to take it to the people,” Hochul said. “You’ve heard from the businesses, we heard from consumers. And I believe that we’re making a very strong case to get this passed.