California lawmakers have passed legislation to extend the popular cocktails-to-go policy for another three years, sending Assembly Bill 2663 to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk for his signature. The current law enabling restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026.
If signed, the bill would allow the practice to continue through 2029. The policy, initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic as a vital support for restaurants facing indoor dining restrictions, has become a sought-after convenience for consumers. Restaurants are permitted to sell cocktails in manufacturer-sealed containers or containers with secure, sealed lids, provided the purchase includes a meal.
"What began as a lifeline for neighborhood restaurants has become a convenient, popular option for consumers," said Adam Smith, vice president of state government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the US. "Extending cocktails to-go allows local businesses to continue meeting customer demand while giving adults more flexibility to enjoy restaurant-quality cocktails at home."
California now joins a growing number of states that have made or are considering making the sale of to-go alcoholic beverages a permanent or extended offering. While 32 states and the District of Columbia have already made cocktails-to-go a permanent option, New Jersey also permits takeaway cocktails on a temporary basis, and New York's current law is set to expire in April 2030.
The legislation specifically applies to adults and does not alter existing laws concerning the consumption of alcohol. The extension aims to provide continued support for the restaurant industry and maintain a popular option for consumers seeking to enjoy restaurant-prepared cocktails at home.