The recent permanence of to-go cocktails, initially introduced as a lifeline for restaurants and distilleries during the COVID-19 pandemic, has stirred enthusiasm among business managers and customers in Richmond, Virginia.
Governor Glenn Youngkin’s approval of a bill solidifying the to-go cocktail option for businesses with mixed beverage licenses marks a significant shift, offering a sense of stability and opportunity for establishments navigating the economic challenges wrought by the pandemic.
Originally introduced by former Governor Ralph Northam in April 2020, the provision, which was slated to expire on July 1 after its second extension, proved instrumental in supporting the Commonwealth’s hospitality industry amid the pandemic’s tumultuous impacts.
Andrew Sanders, service manager at Southern Railway Taphouse, reflected on the necessity for adaptation during uncertain times. “We had to adjust to the times,” Sanders remarked, highlighting the imperative of accommodating to-go orders and redefining operational roles to sustain business continuity.
Danny Valvoline, formerly a resident of the Commonwealth, underscored the profound impact of pandemic-related closures on local businesses, emphasizing the strain imposed on jobs and livelihoods.
Sanders and his colleague Savannah Hazelwood, a bartender at the Taphouse, lauded the to-go cocktail option for its role in bolstering revenue streams, noting the incremental sales generated by patrons adding extra cocktails to their orders.
Valvoline echoed their sentiments, expressing optimism about the prospect of sustained benefits for both businesses and consumers. “I think it’s just good all-around for everyone,” he remarked, envisioning a mutually advantageous scenario characterized by reciprocity.
