Hochul aims to make alcohol-to-go sales permanent as law's expiration looms

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NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to propose legislation to make alcohol-to-go sales from bars and restaurants permanent in New York.

Her proposal is part of the amendments to her budget proposal to the State Legislature which will soon undergo negotiations as the budget deadline of April looms.

This move is part of a series of amendments to her $233 billion budget proposal. She intends to propose a permanent extension of the state’s current to-go alcohol law, which is set to expire next year, the governor’s office confirmed.

“During the darkest days of the pandemic, to-go drinks were a critical lifeline for our hospitality industry and a beloved treat for consumers,” Hochul said. “Since then, we’ve legalized to-go alcohol on a temporary basis, and it’s been wildly successful for bars, restaurants, and everyday New Yorkers. It’s long overdue to permanently legalize to-go drinks, and in this year’s budget we’re going to get the job done.”

The practice of selling drinks with to-go orders became prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic when bars and restaurants were forced to close their doors. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo was the one who permitted carry-out drinks until June 2021.

In 2022, Hochul passed a law allowing the sale of cocktails and glasses of wine with to-go food orders. However, this law is set to expire in April 2025.

Last year, Hochul tried to make the measure permanent. Yet, during negotiations, she settled for a three-year extension.

Hochul and state lawmakers will discuss the matter during state budget negotiations.