SPRINGFIELD – A measure that will allow cocktails to go, sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), which will bring much needed relief to bars and restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, passed the Illinois Senate Saturday. The legislation would allow the sale of cocktails and mixed drinks for delivery and curbside pickup, giving bars and restaurants one of many permissions they need to survive closures dating back to March.
“The 6th Senate District is a top destination known for its vibrant independent restaurants, bars and entertainment,” Feigenholtz said. “The closure of these businesses during the pandemic has been devastating. We are working daily to provide them with relief and develop innovative ways to survive this pandemic.”
House Bill 2682 includes a package of measures aimed at assisting businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the legislation, bars and restaurants will be able to sell cocktails or mixed drinks for curbside pickup or delivery, provided they are in tamper-proof sealed containers. Mixed drinks must be stored in a trunk or other inaccessible compartment away from a car’s driver and passengers.
“Illinois will join 34 other states in allowing cocktails and mixed drink sales to be safely delivered,” Feigenholtz said. “This is one of many measures we are taking to help them during this challenging time.”
The measure also includes provisions to ease regulations and fees on liquor license holders whose business operations have been suspended due to the pandemic, including waiving late filing fees, relaxing liquor license fees and automatically renewing and extending liquor licenses.
Cocktails for Hope, the Illinois Restaurant Association, the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association and several chambers of commerce supported the legislation.
