Vermont Business Magazine Late Friday, the Vermont Legislature passed H.339, a bill to permanently allow cocktails to-go in the state in support of local businesses and adult consumers. The bill now heads to Governor Phil Scott’s desk for signature.
The temporary measure is set to expire on July 1, 2025.
“Cocktails to-go have not only been a great additional source of revenue for local bars and restaurants, but adult consumers have come to expect the added convenience they offer,” said Andy Deloney, senior vice president and head of state government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “For years now, hospitality businesses have been forced to grapple with everchanging challenges including staffing shortages, supply chain disruptions and inflation. Making cocktails to-go permanent provides long-term stability for these businesses and added convenience for consumers. We applaud the Legislature for supporting Vermont businesses and consumers and urge the governor to sign H.339 to make cocktails to-go permanent.”
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 29 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to permanently allow cocktails to-go, and five others, including Vermont, have enacted laws that 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, 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.
States that signed legislation to allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis into law:
California (expires December 31, 2026), Illinois (expires August 1, 2028), New Jersey (TBD), New York (expires April 9, 2030) and Vermont (expires July 1, 2025) passed legislation to allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the U.S., advocating on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels. DISCUS members are committed to responsibility and encourage adults who drink to do so in moderation.
5.12.2025. MONTPELIER, Vt. – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
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