Remember last May? It’s OK, nobody really does — but that’s when the restaurant industry’s struggle to survive the COVID-19 era, combined with patrons thirsty for something to go with their takeout, prompted Pennsylvania to temporarily allow the sale of carry-out cocktails.
But "last call" for to-go cocktails is nearing as the governor’s disaster emergency declaration comes to an end — unless the commonwealth's lawmakers do something about it.
The temporary provision aided shuttered businesses that sold alcohol during the pandemic, allowing them a source of income as they went through the cycles of opening and closing. During the pandemic, establishments that offered takeout cocktails also had to sell food.