You are reading

Alcohol for Take Out and Delivery Ends Today as More COVID Restrictions Are Lifted

Photo by Sagar Chaudhray on Unsplash

June 24, 2021 By Ryan Songalia

A temporary provision allowing alcoholic beverages for takeout and delivery will end on Thursday.

The announcement was made Wednesday, and comes in conjunction with the lifting of New York’s COVID-19 emergency order.

“Licensees please be advised that with the ending of our state of emergency and the return to pre-pandemic guidelines, the temporary pandemic-related privileges for to-go and delivery of alcoholic beverages will end after June 24,” tweeted the New York State Liquor Authority.

The measure helped sustain bars and restaurants after they were ordered closed for in-person patronage on March 16, 2020. With bars and restaurants being allowed open at full capacity as of May 19, it has become less vital to the survival of bars.

Both the New York State Senate and Assembly had introduced bills that would extend to-go cocktails for at least another year, but neither legislative body had brought them to a vote before the end of the legislative session on June 10.

Still, restaurant advocates are hoping that state legislators can revive the provision on a permanent basis. Currently, 15 states have passed such bills, according to the New York Times.

“We know the sudden elimination of alcohol to-go will hurt many restaurants and bars that have come to rely on this new revenue stream, and it will be a disappointment for customers who have come to love the popular policy,” said the NYC Hospitality Alliance in an online statement.

The Alliance added that the bill which would have extended alcohol to-go was not voted on because “it was the subject of a massive opposition campaign by New York’s package and liquor store associations and elected officials.” They say they will advocate for its return in the next legislative session.

Beer in to-go containers is still legal, as it had been prior to the pandemic.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Celebrate the season: a guide to fall events at Queens Botanical Garden

Sep. 18, 2025 By Jessica Militello

There is nothing quite like witnessing the beauty of fall amongst the plants and wildlife at the Queens Botanical Garden. The 47-acre sanctuary offers a tranquil respite from the city, including an array of classes, events and workshops to learn more about nature and connect with the community. The garden has a variety of exciting events and programs to fully immerse oneself in the autumn season, from their Apples and Honey Day Festival to kids’ programs and much more. Whether you are looking to volunteer or tap into your creativity, here is a list of upcoming events.

College Point man charged with arson, attempted murder for allegedly starting 2-alarm house fire: NYPD

One of the five civilians rescued by the FDNY from a 2-alarm house fire in College Point on Friday morning was arrested later in the day for allegedly starting the blaze in his first-floor apartment.

Jonathan Mejia, 33, was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16 on a complaint charging him with arson in the first degree, four counts of attempted murder in the second degree and other related charges.