Governor Eric Holcomb of Indiana has signed a bill into law, paving the way for individuals to purchase cocktails to-go starting July 1, 2024. This legislation aims to provide support to the restaurant and hospitality sectors by allowing patrons to buy alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption.
The new law permits the purchase of drinks that customers can take home but strictly prohibits consumption while driving or in public spaces prior to reaching their destination.
With this action, Indiana joins the ranks of 24 other states and the District of Columbia in permanently enacting measures allowing cocktails to-go. Initially introduced as temporary relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, this legislation has gained widespread acceptance as a means of aiding struggling restaurants.
The following states have permanently adopted cocktails to-go laws: Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Meanwhile, several states have implemented temporary measures, with expiration dates varying. These include California (expires December 31, 2026), Colorado (expires July 1, 2025), Illinois (expires August 1, 2028), Massachusetts (expires April 1, 2024), New Jersey (TBD), New York (expires April 9, 2025), Vermont (expires July 1, 2025), and Virginia (expires July 1, 2024).
