Governor Signs Yingling-Backed Legislation to Allow Sale of Cocktails To-Go

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – To help business owners that have suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, supported a measure to allow bars and restaurants to sell alcohol in delivery and pickup orders.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused huge hits to our local business owners, particularly family-owned bars and restaurants,” Yingling said. “This law intends to help those business owners directly, and acts as a lifeline as we focus on rebuilding our economy.”

Yingling supported House Bill 2682, a new law that allows for “cocktails to-go.” Under the measure, establishments that have a liquor license can 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.

“Allowing the sale of cocktails and alcohol to-go will increase sales, increase businesses’ bottom lines, and help them stay afloat as we return to normal,” Yingling continued. “I am proud to support important legislation to help our small businesses and others recover from financial hardship caused by COVID-19.”

House Bill 2682 passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support before being signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker on June 2.