To-go cocktails are here to stay in Washington

SEATTLE — Pandemic-era regulations that allow restaurants and bars to offer to-go and delivery alcohol will remain in place in Washington state.

Gov. Jay Inslee signed SB 5448 into law on Thursday, extending liquor license privileges that were set to expire in July.

The law allows restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries to sell cocktails for delivery and takeout.

“People seem to enjoy them. They’re good for business, they allow me to grow my business outside my four walls and they allow me to compete with some of the larger brands," said Travis Rosenthal, the owner of Agua Verde Cafe in Seattle. “It has become bigger and bigger every year as more people find out about it and try it

The law requires staff who serve to-go or delivery alcohol to receive training and verify the person who is buying the alcohol is above the age of 21.

“There is no doubt cocktails to-go provided much-needed support for businesses during the pandemic, and now bars and restaurants can count on this critical revenue stream permanently," said Adam Smith, the vice president of state government affairs for the Distilled Spirits Council. "Plus, adult consumers will continue to enjoy their favorite cocktails with their takeout orders."

A study by the National Restaurant Association indicated 66% of adults said they were much more likely to order takeout than they were before the pandemic.

"The public has responded and the market has shifted — our customers continue to love the option to take their meals to go and enjoy at home," said Julia Gorton of the Washington Hospitality association.

Critics of the bill said to-go and delivery alcohol sales will increase the risk of consumers driving under the influence.

“Research shows that increasing the availability of alcohol increases excessive drinking as well as impaired driving," Mark McKenchnie of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission said at a legislative hearing earlier this year. "These measures were meant to be temporary. By making them permanent it would greatly expand the availability of alcohol will increase impaired driving."

The bill requires beverages to be in tamper evident containers and to be placed in a non-passenger compartment of vehicles.

While to-go alcohol is now permanent, SB5448 sunsets the delivery of alcohol, which will expire in July 2025 unless the legislature revisits the rule.

Washington is the 20th state to adopt permanent to-go alcohol sales laws, according to the Distilled Spirits Council.