Alcohol-To-Go Ends With End Of Pandemic Emergency In NY [POLL]

NEW YORK — It certainly was convenient while it lasted. In the height of the pandemic, you went to, say, your favorite Mexican restaurant for takeout, and along with the food, you could order — and take home — a frozen Margarita.

All that is history now that New York's state of emergency has been lifted.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday the emergency was over, eliminating coronavirus restrictions statewide.

The governor had previously extended the state's temporary takeout cocktail program by 30 days, which would have ended July 5.

But the New York State Liquor Authority sent out guidance saying there would be no more takeout or delivery of alcoholic beverages after June 24, Eater New York reported.

State Sen. Mike Martucci, R-42nd Senate District, said ending the state of emergency was a positive development, but the legislature needs to take a look at some of Cuomo's executive orders that actually made sense, including takeout drinks.

"Since the Legislature has finally been restored as a coequal branch of government, we should immediately reconvene in a special session to enact into statute those changes that were helpful to the average New Yorker and small businesses, such as take-out and delivery of alcoholic beverages, licensure for out-of-state medical professionals and eliminating restrictions on the ability of community pharmacies to deliver vaccinations," he said in a news release.

There is a bill in the Assembly — A3116 — that would give restaurants the OK to sell alcohol for off-premise consumption. It is in committee, but the Legislature is not in session.

"Alcohol to-go" is something the New York State Restaurant Association has been advocating for since the pandemic crippled the restaurant industry.

The association did a survey in late May that found 78 percent of New Yorkers favor permanently allowing alcoholic beverages to be purchased with takeout or delivery orders from restaurants.

Seven hundred people living in New York were polled on the question from May 14 to May 20.

Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the restaurant association, said the numbers don't lie — takeout alcoholic drinks are popular with customers and restaurant owners alike.

"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, struggling restaurants were able to boost sales and keep doors open through the ability of selling alcoholic beverages with their orders," she said.

"The same relief that was once needed at the height of the pandemic is still needed now," Fleischut said. "The restaurant industry needs stability now more than ever, and by making 'alcohol-to-go' permanent we can encourage a strong recovery."

Now it's your turn to weigh in on the subject. Vote in our unscientific poll and tell us what you think in the comments.