Posted: | January 28, 2022 10:25 AM |
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From: | Senator Daniel Laughlin and Sen. John T. Yudichak |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Small Business Assistance - Cocktails-to-Go |
In the near future, we intend to introduce legislation that will help our struggling restaurants and bars recover from the mandated restrictions that were placed upon them throughout the COVID pandemic by permanently allowing Cocktails-To-Go. This type of sale was permitted – albeit temporarily – during the COVID Emergency Declaration, allowing small businesses to generate a new source of revenue. During a recent hearing conducted by the Senate Community, Economic & Recreational Development Committee, statewide business advocates and entrepreneurs told lawmakers that recovery has not started for many small businesses. They need help. As a result, we are offering this legislation to provide restaurants and bars an opportunity to maintain cash flow and expand offerings. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, 33 states adopted alcohol-to-go programs in the early days of COVID-19. Subsequently, 15 states extended approval of those programs, and 16 have passed laws enshrining the practice for good. New York Governor Kathy Hochul just called to make drinks-to-go permanent, and New Jersey passed legislation last year allowing local governments to authorize cocktails to go. We need to continue to support our businesses in Pennsylvania with this type of legislation. It will create revenue for businesses that continue to struggle and aid in their recovery. Please join us in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation that will augment recovery efforts for our Pennsylvania businesses and will ameliorate permanent closures. |
Introduced as SB1138