State Sen. Bill Dodd’s Senate Bill 389 would permit both restaurants and bars to sell to-go alcohol in sealed containers, even when food is not purchased. | Pexels
State Sen. Bill Dodd’s Senate Bill 389 would permit both restaurants and bars to sell to-go alcohol in sealed containers, even when food is not purchased. | Pexels
The California State Senate recently approved Senate Bill 389, which would permit on-sale liquor license holders to sell beverages for off-sale consumption that are permitted under their on-sale license.
State Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa), who sponsored the bill, recently took to his official Twitter account to offer his gratitude to fellow senators for their support of the bill.
“Pandemic recovery is a top priority, and my bill to allow restaurants to sell to-go cocktails will help,” Dodd said in his tweet. “Thanks Senate colleagues for approving this bill by unanimous vote.”
In a press release posted to Dodd’s official website, he said that the legislation could help restaurants to keep their doors open by expanding the products they can offer to customers. It would also permit both bars and restaurants to sell to-go beverages without consideration for whether or not food is also ordered.
On a national level, the restaurant industry has experienced an estimated $165 billion loss since March due to current measures still in place in order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, according to the release. Yet, 78% of those restaurants that have been able to sell to-go alcohol beverages have been able to rehire employees, compared to 62% overall.
The bill’s description states that beverages would still have to be provided in closed containers with a seal that is broken once it is opened. Wine must also be sold in single-serve containers, and beer must be sold in manufacturer prepackaged containers.
The bill also places no requirement on establishments to sell to-go alcohol if they choose not to, according to the bill’s description.
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