drinks to go legalized in wisconsin

Cocktails to go finally authorized in Winsconsin for restaurants, bars and brewpubs

Photo by Ralph (Ravi) Kayden on Unsplash

Governor Tony Evers signed a bill last week allowing restaurants, bars and brewpubs to sell cocktails to go in Winsconsin.

This should have happened a year ago, when we were completely closed“, said Chris Marsicano, Tavern League of Wisconsin President and owner of a supper club, after the bill passed. Marsicano urged Gov. Evers to sign the legislation.

The bill was sent to the governor’s desk last week after the Senate passed it by a 28-2 vote. The Assembly had approved the bill via a voice vote earlier this month.

On her part, Wisconsin Restaurant Association President and CEO Kristine Hillmer, explained that although restaurants were able to move to curbside pickup during capacity limits, this did not offset the loss of sales margins at the bars. Furthermore, Hillmer sustains that not having an offer of craft cocktails minimizes the consumer experience.

Mark Garthwaite, executive director of the Wisconsin Brewers Guild, called it frustrating for brewers that they could send beer home with a customer, yet not a cocktail.

Only “Class B” licensed retailer, such as a restaurant or tavern are allowed to prepare cocktails to go. The cocktails must be stored in containers with a tamper-evident seal and sent to the customer. Restaurants can sell a single glass of wine in a sealed container, instead of selling the whole bottle.

All sales transaction must be face-to-face, so that bars and restaurants can check IDs.

Via WisBusiness

 

Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.

 

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