June 8, 2021: To-Go Alcohol Becoming Permanent In More States

Once the coronavirus pandemic hit U.S. shores and the lockdown began, people began hitting the bottle, seeing alcohol sales rocket. With restaurants struggling to stay afloat throughout the pandemic, several states looked to boost revenue with to-go alcohol sales. Now, more than a year after the start of the pandemic, some states are looking to make to-go alcohol a permanent law.

On this episode of the Happy Mouth podcast, chef Nyesha Arrington and restaurateur Philip Camino take a look at the latest states to make to-go alcohol sales permanent and what the change in philosophy could mean -- both positive and negative.

Between March 22 and March 29 -- 10 days after the WHO declared coronavirus as a global pandemic -- liquor sales rose 204%
Throughout the pandemic, alcohol sales outpaced previous years
The potential reasons why alcohol sales shot up and stayed high
Restaurants typically make between 30%-40% of their revenue from alcohol sales
14 states and the District of Columbia have approved of regulations allowing restaurants to sell to-go alcohol permanently
6 more states have approved of extending to-go alcohol until at least 2022
At least 15 other states are debating active bills to keep this legislation in place
The potential risks and benefits of to-go alcohol becoming more widespread

Links:

Happy Mouth Podcast Instagram

Happy Mouth’s June 1 episode about hospitality trends that could continue

Newsweek - How alcohol sales have shifted during COVID-19

CNBC - To-go cocktails will stick around in at least 20 states after the pandemic

NIH - State alcohol-related laws during the COVID-19 emergency

JAMA Network - Changes in adult alcohol use and consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic

FSR - Alcohol sales help restaurants stay afloat during pandemic

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other shows:

Full Comp 

The Happy Mouth Morning Show

Restaurant Marketing School

The Playbook