Colorado Restaurants Push To Make To-Go Alcohol Service Permanent

Colorado restaurants are fighting to make to-go alcohol services a permanent way to make up for the financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A measure allowing the to-go service passed unopposed in the State House, reports FOX31.

Now the Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) says a measure that would make the service permanent would help restaurants get back on their feet.

The CRA told FOX31 the industry suffered over $3 billion in losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts estimate it will take over five years to recover from the losses.

"...restaurants are currently able to sell alcohol to-go to patrons … right now two years is just not long enough for restaurants to recover from COVID-19," Nick Hoover, Government Affairs Director of the CRA told FOX31.

They have worked with the state liquor enforcement division to develop community safety guidelines to fall in line with laws for transporting alcohol.

“When it comes to a cocktail they have to have a solid lid on it with a tamper evident seal on it,” said Hoover.

Even as restrictions loosen and business should increase during the summer season, it won't be enough to completely relieve the industry from its losses.

According to the CRA, 85% of Coloradans over the age of 21 support extending to-go alcohol services.

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