Distilled Spirits Council: Wisconsin Governor makes cocktails to-go permanent

MADISON, Wisc. – Today, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed AB32 making cocktails to-go permanent from restaurants and taverns which will increase consumer convenience and support local hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19.

“Cocktails to-go have been a source of support for restaurants, bars and distilleries all across the U.S.,” said Kristi Brown, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Senior Director of State Government Relations. “Cocktails to-go provide a much-needed lifeline for struggling on-premise locations and have prevented the permanent closure of many of these businesses. Now that this measure is permanent in Wisconsin, hospitality businesses in the state will enjoy those same benefits as they begin the long path to recovery. We applaud the Wisconsin Legislature and Governor Evers for supporting Wisconsin’s businesses and for providing increased convenience to consumers.”

Background:

Currently, more than 30 states plus the District of Columbia are allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell cocktails to-go. Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia have all made COVID-era cocktails to-go measures permanent. More than 30 other states are also considering allowing, extending or making permanent cocktails to-go measures.

The distilled spirits industry is committed to responsibility and encourages moderation for adults who choose to drink alcohol. Cocktails to-go are intended for home consumption. Laws governing alcohol consumption must always be observed.