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LOCAL NEWS Maryland lawmakers push to allow cocktails to-go in Baltimore CountyBy Janay Reece Updated on: January 30, 2025 / 3:51 AM EST / CBS Baltimore BALTIMORE COUNTY — You may want to get your favorite drink order ready. Maryland lawmakers are proposing a new bill, HB 0770, that may make it easier for adults to order cocktails to-go from their favorite restaurant. "I think it's time to open Baltimore County up to allow this really reasonable practice," said Kathy Szeliga, Baltimore County District 7A Delegate. Past Alcohol Beverage Laws In 2021 Gov. Larry Hogan signed a bill extending the take-out cocktails and alcohol delivery measure during the covid pandemic. The initiative ended in 2023. But Maryland Lawmakers like Del. Szeliga and Del. Carl Jackson are working together to bring the measure back to Baltimore County permanently. "You can currently get alcohol delivered in Baltimore County, a closed bottle of wine, a closed beer. So this really makes sense, and is part of modernizing the way we do things today," explained Szeliga. Gelmin Portillo owner Taco Love Grill in White Marsh. The restaurant has been open since 2011. He believes for some restaurants alcohol and drink sales are changing. "We also have to understand that after the pandemic, there's been a shift in the way that consumers behave when it comes to eating out," explained Portillo. "There's less and less people dining out, and we have to adapt to those times as well." Current Alcohol Beverage Laws Portillo believes the new bill could help — if it is done right. "This type of regulation has been proven that it can work in other jurisdictions, and we believe that it can work here as well with the right regulation," said Portillo. Currently, there are some Maryland counties that let users order alcoholic beverages from local merchants for delivery by third-party platforms like DoorDash. Delivery drivers will have to apply for a service permit at an annual rate of $1,000, which allows them to deliver alcohol from authorized businesses. People who purchase or receive alcoholic beverages must be at least 21 years old and provide valid identification as proof of age upon delivery of the alcohol. With HB0770 being introduced, it will expand what restaurants can offer to customers. "You can currently get alcohol delivered in Baltimore County, a closed bottle of wine, a closed beer. So this really makes sense, and is part of modernizing the way we do things today" said Szeliga. Addressing Concerns Szeliga is aware there are safety concerns surrounding the proposed bill, but she said there are provisions within it to protect customers. "This bill has provisions like the cocktail to go has to have a lid, without a straw, without a hold or a straw, and it's going to be taped down which makes sense because you don't want it to spill. And you know, we'll have revisions to ensure it's not something that could be easily accessed," Szeliga explained. "Know that it can be done, and this bill is going to have some provisions in it to ensure that people are not drinking and driving and that minors are not getting a hold of it." The bill is still in its early stages and has a few more steps before it can go to the governor's desk. SWVAToday
In an effort to eliminate underage and high-risk drinking, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Alcohol Education and Prevention Grant program now through March 1. This is the 10th year Virginia ABC is offering grants to support alcohol education and prevention programs and projects across the commonwealth. Since 2013, Virginia ABC has awarded an average of $80,000 each year through its grant program to Virginia organizations working to prevent underage and high-risk drinking. Organizations are eligible to receive up to $10,000 each to support evidence-based projects that have a long-lasting impact and encourage partnerships between organizations. Community coalitions, law enforcement, nonprofits, schools, government entities, colleges and universities, faith-based organizations and prevention-related groups are encouraged to apply. Proposed projects must address prevention in one or more of the following focus areas:
Applications are available online, with a convenient online platform for submission. Virginia ABC has provided an application guide to assist applicants and provide more information about the program. This grant application guide and the grant application are at www.abc.virginia.gov/education/grants. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 1. WNCT9
by: Gabby Sartori, Mekaela Muck Posted: Jan 6, 2025 / 01:05 PM EST Updated: Jan 6, 2025 / 11:20 PM EST GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Ordering takeout is one of the most convenient forms of customer service for many people. Cocktails to-go are officially back after their five-year hiatus since COVID-19. Under Senate Bill 527, you can order a cocktail to-go through a restaurant’s order service or Doordash. During COVID-19, Sup Dogs initially had the cocktail to-go service and they are excited to have it back once again. “It’s nice that people are over order food and maybe instead of spending 10, 20 bucks on food, they’re adding on an additional 510 bucks for a drink to go,” Owner of Sug Dogs Bret Oliverio said. “So, it’s additional revenue for restaurants and, you know, I’m just glad that there’s processes in place that make things safe and gives restaurants a chance to make a little bit more revenue.” When ordering a cocktail to-go, you must order a meal too. North Carolina is the 29th state to permanently allow cocktails to-go. |
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