Cocktail Delivery Now Allowed In Illinois

ACROSS ILLINOIS — Restaurants and bars can now sell cocktails for delivery and carryout in Illinois. In an effort to provide the businesses with one more way to bring in money amid slow sales, Gov. J.B. Pritkzer signed the bill into law on Tuesday.

"Restaurants and bars are beloved businesses in so many of our communities and also some of the hardest hit from the COVD-19 pandemic," Pritzker said in a statement posted on his Facebook wall. "This legislation will provide these businesses with a critical tool to bring in additional income until they can safely and fully reopen their doors once more."

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The legislation breezed through the Illinois House and Senate last month. The measure allows businesses to serve drinks in tamper-proof containers and customers can either pick up or have the beverages delivered directly to their homes, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Prior to the bill passing, bars and restaurants were allowed to sell drinks in sealed containers and cocktails kits that could be used to make mixed drinks at home. The measure signed by Pritzker comes days after bars and restaurants were allowed to open up their patios and other outdoor space for food and drink service.

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