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To-go cocktails made permanent in Michigan

By Amber Ainsworth
Published  July 19, 2023 11:34am EDT
Food and Drink
FOX 2 Detroit

LANSING, Mich. (FOX 2) - Michigan restaurants can sell cocktails to go permanently, thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday.

To-go cocktails in sealed containers were first allowed in July 2020 when Whitmer signed a bill during the Covid pandemic, which forced restaurants to pivot to takeout operations. That was set to end on Jan. 1. 2026.

A bill to make the change permanent died in the legislature last year. 

Sen. Mallory McMorrow introduced the temporary cocktails to-go legislation and said it helped businesses survive the pandemic.

Related: Alcohol now allowed at Michigan college sporting events

"We’ve heard from so many restaurant owners that this additional revenue stream became a lifeline that kept them in business. Three years in, it’s proven to be a popular new way for customers to support their favorite restaurants, and has resulted in zero reported violations or safety issues," she said.

Cocktails to go bill could make pandemic creation permanent for Michigan bars, restaurants

A temporary measure set to expire in a couple years could become permanent as lawmakers have sent the bill to the State Senate.