Legislation May Allow Missouri Restaurants to Permanently Sell Cocktails To-Go

Restaurants and bars across the country have been signifcantly impacted by the pandemic. Last April, the Missouri Department of Public Safety waived restrictions on the sale of mixed drinks to-go by restaurants. Governor Mike Parson then extended the waiver through the end of March. Representative Cheri Toalson Reisch of Hallsville says there is now a push to make this a permanent feature for restaurants.

The Hallsville Republican views this legislation as a way to cut government red tape for small businesses. She adds these to-go orders have been crucial to restaurants and bars during these tough times.

House Bill 547 would allow restaurants to continue selling takeout cocktails as long as the customer orders food as well. The bill is currently awaiting a second vote from the Missouri House of Representatives in order to move on to the Senate.