Yednock-Backed Measure to Allow Sale of Cocktails To-Go Signed Into Law

OTTAWA, IL – To help business owners that have suffered due to temporary closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, recently supported a measure to allow restaurants and bars to sell pre-mixed alcoholic beverages in pickup orders and delivery.

“Allowing the sale of pre-mixed drinks through delivery and to-go orders in sealed containers will help increase sales and ultimately help businesses increase their bottom line while helping them stay afloat during this uncertain time,” said Yednock. “Business owners, especially those in the hospitality and tourism industry like our locally owned bars and restaurants, have really been hit hard by this pandemic. This new law will serve as a lifeline to these establishments.”

Yednock 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 on June 2.

“I will continue fighting for our small business owners and others that are facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis,” said Yednock. “Passing this new law gives a much-needed boost to our struggling economy by supporting local business owners.”

To find the most recent information about resources and information regarding COVID-19 in Illinois, visit https://coronavirus.illinois.gov or call the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-889-3931.