Illinois joins 20 other states that have made cocktails to-go permanent
State Senator Sara Feigenholtz passed a law permitting cocktail and mixed drink delivery and takeout to provide life-saving support to restaurants, bars, and venues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Senator Feigenholtz wants to make cocktails to-go a permanent option for restaurants and consumers.
Last week, Feigenholtz fought to add this provision to Senate Bill 618, making permanent the safe pickup and delivery of mixed drinks in state law. Illinois now joins 20 other states that have made cocktails to-go permanent.
Since the pandemic, trends show 28% of consumers are entertaining at home more. Although restaurants are recovering, having the choice to eat out or entertain at home adds another benefit, or tool, in the toolbox.
“My district boasts some of the most globally recognized restaurants and establishments in our state,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Special Committee on Tourism. “Cocktails to-go began as a lifeline, but the market is revealing good reason to make it permanent.”
The proposal would permanently allow bars and restaurants in Illinois to continue selling cocktails and mixed drinks for delivery and curbside pickup, providing certainty and stability for these businesses. The existing law contains stringent container requirements, age verification, and other safeguards.
Senate Bill 618 passed the Senate in the first week of veto session and now heads to the House.
