Vermont has officially passed legislation to make cocktails to-go a permanent legal practice within the state. The bill, known as H.339, was approved last Friday, May 9, and is now awaiting the signature of Governor Phil Scott to become law.
The move follows a temporary measure that allowed cocktails to-go as part of the state’s pandemic response. Originally set to expire on July 1, 2025, the new law will ensure the continued availability of this service.
Vermont’s decision aligns with a growing trend across the United States, where more than 30 states introduced cocktails to-go as a temporary economic relief measure for hospitality businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These temporary measures were aimed at helping local bars and restaurants recover financially.
With Vermont’s new law, the state joins a list of others that have made the practice permanent, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, and many more. These states, along with the District of Columbia, have enacted legislation to allow cocktails to-go indefinitely.
Andy Deloney, Senior Vice President and Head of State Government Relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (Discus), expressed strong support for the move. He highlighted that cocktails to-go have not only provided a crucial revenue stream for local businesses but have also become a valued convenience for consumers. Deloney pointed out that the hospitality industry has faced numerous challenges, including staffing shortages, supply chain issues, and inflation. He emphasized that making cocktails to-go permanent would offer long-term stability for businesses and added convenience for patrons.
“We applaud the Legislature for supporting Vermont businesses and consumers and urge the governor to sign H.339 to make cocktails to-go permanent,” Deloney said.
However, while Vermont is solidifying its stance, several other states still have temporary measures in place that are set to expire in the coming years. These include California, where the law will expire on December 31, 2026, Illinois on August 1, 2028, New Jersey (date TBD), and New York, where the measure is scheduled to end on April 9, 2030.
You Might Be Interested In:
