Governor Moore signs legislation permanently allowing cocktails to-go in the county following their expiration in June 2023
Today, Governor Wes Moore (D‑Md.) signed HB 121 and SB 72, legislation that permanently allows cocktails to‑go in Baltimore County increasing convenience for adult consumers while supporting local restaurants and bars.
Cocktails to‑go were temporarily permitted in Maryland during the COVID‑19 pandemic to help businesses stay afloat and provide flexibility for consumers. That ability expired in June 2023.
“Adult consumers in Baltimore County can raise a glass to the return of cocktails to‑go,” said Emily Smith, vice president of state public policy at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “What began as a lifeline for neighborhood restaurants during the pandemic quickly became a popular, convenient option for consumers. Bringing cocktails to‑go back once again gives Baltimore County businesses a way to meet customer demand while allowing adults to enjoy restaurant‑quality cocktails at home. We thank the Legislature and Governor Moore for supporting local businesses and consumer choice.”
Since the start of the pandemic, 30 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to permanently allow cocktails to‑go, reflecting strong consumer demand and proven success for on‑premise businesses. Several other states continue to allow cocktails to‑go on a temporary basis.
The distilled spirits industry is committed to responsibility and encourages moderation for adults who choose to drink alcohol. Cocktails to-go are intended for home consumption. Laws governing alcohol consumption must always be observed.
BACKGROUND
States that signed legislation to make cocktails to-go permanent into law:
Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia have all made COVID-era cocktails to-go measures permanent on a state-wide bases.
States that signed legislation to allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis into law:
California (expires December 31, 2026), New Jersey (TBD), and New York (expires April 9, 2030) still allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis.
