Gov. DeSantis Makes “Alcohol To Go” Permanent

Ormond Beach, FL - Speaking from a local restaurant, Governor Ron DeSantis signs a bill that makes one popular COVID-19 emergency order—allowing restaurants to sell alcoholic drinks to go meals—permanent. DeSantis made that announcement from Houligan’s Sports Grill in Ormond Beach alongside local lawmakers—such as Representatives Elizabeth Fetterhoff and Tom Leek—and other state legislators. "This was something that we were happy to see. It worked well, people like it, there was a good response," said Governor DeSantis. "So we said, this should be something we just make permanent." Tim Curtis, co-owner of Houligan’s, said the emergency order came during a very turbulent time for the restaurant industry as eateries around the state were prohibited from offering indoor dining at the height of the pandemic. When restaurants could finally offer to go alcohol with takeout meals, Curtis said they did the same amount of business they would have gotten if they offered indoor seating. "We didn’t miss a beat," said Curtis. "Friday nights 4:00 to 9:00 without a single person in our restaurant. We were still doing the same level of sales.” The law—which began its life as an emergency order aimed at helping restaurants as indoor dining was prohibited during the early pandemic lockdowns—will officially go into effect on July 1, allowing restaurants that have special alcoholic-beverage licenses and make at least 51 percent of revenue from food and non-alcoholic sales to continue offering alcohol with takeout meals. The law will require establishments to cut off the sale of to go drinks when their scheduled food service ends for the day or at midnight, whichever comes first. Drinks will also have to be placed in secured containers and placed in locked compartments, vehicle trunks or in areas behind the last upright seats in vehicles. People under 21 will not be allowed to deliver alcohol.