Kathy Hochul legalizes to-go booze in New York for three years

New Yorkers who needed a quick one on the run could finally do so legally on Saturday.

Gov. Kathy Hochul enacted the budget that will legalize the sale and delivery of takeout cocktails from bars and restaurants nationwide for three years, after which lawmakers will decide whether to allow them permanently.

There’s a catch, though: Customers also have to splurge for the food if they want a drink.

“New York’s nightlife and hospitality industry is second to none, and by allowing take-out beverage sales, we will continue to support the industry’s recovery from the pandemic,” Hochul said.

The take-out and delivery of alcoholic beverages was first allowed in March 2020 under an executive order signed by the then-disgraced government. Andrew Cuomo to temporarily support restaurants and bars during indoor closures caused by COVID-19.

In January, Hochul announced that she plans to reintroduce the popular “drinks-to-go” initiative during her first state-of-the-state speech. Hochul included the measure in the new state budget and said the move was necessary to help businesses during the Omicron surge in coronavirus cases.

The new directive addresses the concerns of small business owners who operate liquor stores by banning the sale of bottles and requiring sealed containers