Alcohol To-Go is Coming Back with New SLA Guidance

By the end of April, it will again be legal in New York State to order an alcoholic beverage to-go from your favorite bar or restaurant. Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers approved alcohol to-go as part of the new state budget unveiled last week. This week, on Monday, April 11, the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) held a special board meeting to approve guidance on the newly-enacted drinks to-go law. Click here to access the SLA's web page with the new law, SLA Guidance, and FAQ on Sale of Wine and Liquor To-Go by On Premises Retail Licensees. Click here for the timeline of implemented changes related to this new law. 

The guidance includes one important caveat—patrons must order a substantial food item when ordering alcohol to-go. The NYC Hospitality Alliance sent out a newsletter highlighting this aspect of the guidance, making sure restaurants understand what is a “substantial food item”. Click here to read the NYC Hospitality Alliance’s full notice on the new guidance.

It is important to note that the requirement for patrons to order a “substantial food item” does not apply to beer and cider to-go purchases. It is also important to know that this new guidance prohibits the sale of alcohol to-go beyond by the glass drinks. This means that selling bottles of wine or spirits to-go is not legal.

You can click here to read the SLA's Guidance on Sale of Wine and Liquor To-Go by On Premises Retail Licensees document.

Photo credit: Rosa Mexicano (a mango chile margarita that was previously sold to-go during NY on PAUSE)