Cocktails-To-Go Bill Moves Forward In California Legislature

NAPA VALLEY, CA — Legislation from California state Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would allow the sale and delivery of to-go cocktails cleared a key committee this week.

If Senate Bill 495 receives final approval from California legislators and the governor, it would expand Dodd's previous pandemic-era relief for struggling restaurants and bars by broadening provisions of his 2021 law, Senate Bill 389, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October 2021.

"Maintaining flexibility to sell to-go cocktails was a lifeline to restaurants and bars during the pandemic," Dodd said. "To keep up the momentum during the recovery, we must expand this successful provision in ways that will make sense and be beneficial to all."

The existing law, SB 389, allows the sale of two alcoholic beverages with the purchase of take-out food from a restaurant. It came at a time when restaurants nationwide were trying to recover from hundreds of billions of dollars in losses suffered during coronavirus-related lockdowns and social distancing requirements.

Dodd's Senate Bill 495 would remove the requirement that to-go drinks are purchased with food, increasing options not only for consumers but for business owners by allowing pick-up or delivery. It would also extend the carry-out cocktail provision to bars, which, like restaurants, were also hard hit by the pandemic. Lastly, to prevent underage drinking, the bill would increase the oversight of alcohol delivery by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

On Tuesday, SB 495 cleared the state Senate Governmental Organization committee with overwhelming, bipartisan support, according to a statement from Dodd's office. The bill is scheduled to be considered April 24 by the Senate Appropriations Committee. It needs final approval by the state's House and Senate, as well as the governor before it can become law.

"This bill boosts small businesses and our local economy, helping to keep doors open and people employed," said Dodd, who represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties.

"Sen. Dodd has stepped up once again for California’s restaurant community at a time of when food costs, a labor shortage, mounting debt and supply chain delays are forcing restaurants to reduce operating hours, limit menu offerings or close altogether," said Matt Sutton, senior vice president of government affairs and public policy for the California Restaurant Association. "For his efforts, we are incredibly grateful."