Iowa becomes first state to permanently legalize cocktails to-go
The temporary measure was initially enacted to provide businesses economic relief
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The coronavirus pandemic has upended the way Americans wine and dine -- and now, Iowa has become the first state in the nation to permanently legalize the sale of cocktails to-go.
Gov. Kim Richards signed the HF 2540 bill into law on Monday, changing the Iowa Code to allow bars to sell alcoholic drinks for take-out and delivery for off-premise consumption, The Des Moines Register reported. The temporary measure was initially enacted to provide businesses much-needed economic relief amid COVID-19 closures and restrictions earlier this year.
The coronavirus pandemic has upended the way Americans wine and dine – and now, Iowa has become the first state in the nation to legalize the sale of cocktails to-go. (iStock)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An executive for the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) praised the Hawkeye State’s decision to permanently allow to-go drinks.
“Iowa’s hospitality businesses have suffered greatly due to the harsh financial impacts of COVID-19,” Dale Szyndrowski, DISCUS vice president of state government relations, said in a statement. “Making cocktails to-go permanent provides a much-needed source of stability and revenue for local bars, restaurants and distilleries as they begin to recover.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“We thank Governor Reynolds and the legislature for supporting local businesses and their employees by making Iowa the first state to make a temporary cocktails to-go measure permanent. Iowa is leading the way and serving as a model for other states looking for innovative ways to boost struggling hospitality businesses.”
According to the organization, over 30 states and Washington, D.C. are currently allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell alcoholic drinks, bottled spirits or both to-go. States including Texas, Florida, Ohio and Oklahoma are similarly considering making the move permanent.
DISCUS stressed that to-go alcoholic drinks are intended for consumption at home, in moderation, for adults.
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