Illinois residents can continue enjoying their favorite restaurant and bar cocktails from home, as a new state law permanently allows licensed establishments to sell cocktails to-go beginning today, July 1, according to CBS Chicago.
The measure, signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker, makes permanent a policy that was first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to help bars and restaurants stay afloat during lockdowns. After several temporary extensions, the law is now a permanent part of Illinois’ liquor regulations.
Under the law, licensed bars and restaurants may sell mixed drinks and cocktails for carryout, curbside pickup, and delivery, provided they follow specific safety requirements. Cocktails must be packaged in sealed, tamper-evident containers, clearly labeled with the drink’s ingredients, alcohol content, and the date the beverage was prepared. Drinks must be sold within seven days of being packaged.
The law also requires employees selling or delivering cocktails to verify that customers are at least 21 years old. In addition, cocktails cannot be transported in the passenger area of a vehicle and must be placed in the trunk or another area not readily accessible to the driver. Third-party delivery services are not permitted to deliver cocktails under the law.
Supporters say making cocktails-to-go permanent provides restaurants and bars with an additional source of revenue while giving customers more convenience. The policy became popular during the pandemic and has remained in demand even after indoor dining returned.
Illinois now joins a growing number of states that have made cocktails-to-go a permanent option, giving residents another way to support local restaurants and enjoy their favorite beverages responsibly from home.
