To-Go Cocktails Bill Heads To Gov. Wolf's Desk

YARDLEY, PA — A Bucks County lawmaker's bill that would let restaurants sell to-go cocktails during the coronavirus shutdown is headed to the governor's desk.

State Rep. Perry Warren's House Bill 327 passed overwhelmingly in the Senate on Wednesday after already passing in the House.

It would let restaurants or hotels that have lost more than 25 percent of their average monthly sales because of the shutdown make "prepared beverages and mixed drinks" and sell them for curbside pickup.

"The passage of this bill is great news for Pennsylvania’s restaurant industry during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Warren, a Democrat from Yardley. "It enables our local restaurants selling food, beer and wine to add another product for curbside pickup and takeout during this crisis. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in both the House and the Senate for supporting this legislation."

According to the bill, the drinks would have to be in lidded containers. No more than 64 ounces could be sold at one time, the bill says. Customers would have to carry the drinks in their trunk or another area of their vehicle not occupied by the driver or passengers.

If it passes, the legislation would remain in effect during the shutdown and a mitigation period following it.

The bill also would amend Pennsylvania's liquor code to clarify the process for a referendum on whether to allow the sale of alcohol in municipalities.

Lower Makefield Township has scheduled a liquor referendum for the June 2 primary election.