NYC bars and restaurants can now sell to-go cocktails
Photo by Kobby Mendez on Unsplash
To stop the spread of coronavirus, New York officials on Monday closed all restaurants and bars, with the exception of takeout and delivery services. The new rules, as mandated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Liquor Authority, allow businesses to sell to-go alcoholic beverages, including wine and liquor for the first time, as long as it is with a food purchase. This change in liquor laws will continue until April 15 but could be extended.
Previously, only breweries, microbreweries, and wineries had the right to sell to-go alcohol to customers. The rule change from the State Liquor Authority is an attempt to alleviate some of the impending financial hardship for these businesses caused by the pandemic, according to the governor.
“Stay home and order from your favorite restaurant, order from your favorite bar, order from your favorite winery, order from whatever establishment that you were thinking of patronizing,” Cuomo said during a press conference on Monday. “Just order it and stay at home.”
The off-premise alcoholic drinks must be sold in a closed and sealed container “of any size,” according to the restrictions, provided the sale is accompanied by the purchase of food and sales are consistent with open container ordinances. The drinks can be sold for both takeout and delivery.
Some New York City places have already released their to-go cocktail menus, including Please Don’t Tell, Erv’s On Beekman, and Butter & Scotch, just to name a few. And as the same for any takeout or delivery orders, remember to tip workers generously during this precarious time for the industry.
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