Manley-Backed Initiative to Allow Sale of Cocktails To-Go Signed by Governor

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – To support restaurants and other businesses have been negatively impacted by temporary closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is applauding Gov. JB Pritzker’s move to sign a new law that will allow restaurants to sell alcohol for pickup and delivery orders.

“Businesses across our state have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, but this new law will serve as a lifeline to our bars and restaurants by helping to increase their sales and stay afloat,” said Manley. “The hospitality industry, especially our locally owned restaurants, have had to greatly scale back their operations which has made it very difficult to retain jobs during this uncertain time.”

Manley supported House Bill 2682, a new law also known as “cocktails to-go.” This measure will allow establishments that have a liquor license to sell mixed cocktails for pickup and delivery in tamper-evident sealed containers. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, restaurants have seen an 80% downturn in normal operations and a severe loss of jobs statewide. This new law passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support before being signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker on June 2.

“I am glad to see this measure signed into law so quickly to help provide immediate relief to struggling restaurants as our state continues to move toward reopening,” continued Manley. “I will continue working for solutions to help business owners across our state that have suffered due to COVID-19.”