Sacramento businesses and customers react to cocktails to-go bill
A bill to extend California’s cocktails to-go program through 2029 is awaiting the governor’s decision, with businesses supporting the measure and customers expressing mixed opinions.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
A bill that would extend California’s cocktails to-go program through 2029 is awaiting the governor’s approval, leaving businesses and customers in Sacramento weighing its potential impact.
The program, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed restaurants and bars to sell cocktails to-go to help them stay afloat.
Jason Poole, co-founder of Midtown Spirits, highlighted the challenges the hospitality industry has faced in recent years. “It’s been a very difficult five or six years in the hospitality industry. So it’s something that we can still kind of continue to provide for our guests,” Poole said.
The current law is set to expire at the end of the year, but the proposed bill would allow restaurants to continue selling cocktails to-go in manufacturer-sealed containers or in containers with secure, sealed lids.
Megan Kohl, brand director at Darling Aviary, emphasized the importance of adapting to changing consumer habits. “People are staying home and working from home and not going out as much. You have to stay competitive, so if we’re not evolving with the times, maybe these spaces won’t exist in the future. So, you know, I think it’s a great thing,” she said.
Poole added, “We need every little bit that we can get at this point to stay alive in this industry. So we’re really hoping to keep every option that we have on the table.”
While businesses are largely in favor of the measure, some customers have mixed feelings.
“I’m 50/50. Like, they should, and then they should look again because of the hazards, you know, regarding the safety,” said Mary, a local customer.
Justin, another customer, shared his concerns. “It should be monitored due to the fact that it can pose a safety risk to the public as well as that person if they are drinking and driving, or if they are posing a risk to other people,” he said.
Despite these concerns, some customers admitted to enjoying the convenience of cocktails to-go. “Have you ever gotten a cocktail to go? Yes,” one customer said. Another added, “Yeah, I had fun, but I wasn’t driving, so…”
For now, businesses and customers await the governor’s decision on whether the program will continue.
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