Photo: WBZ NewsRadio \ Jay Willett
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Talk of making cocktails to-go permanent in Massachusetts is not sitting well with packies around the state.
After being extended several times, the pandemic policy that allowed restaurants and breweries to sell cocktails to-go is nearing its April 1st deadline. Governor Healey has proposed a supplemental budget that includes making the policy permanent. If Beacon Hill lawmakers approve, mixed drinks can continue to be sold with take-out and delivery orders.
"A cocktail to-go is one thing, you got to remember that. This was designed for a Mai Tai or something out of a restaurant," said, Steve Rubin, owner of Huntington Wine and Spirits.
Liquor store owners have been speaking out against the possible change saying it will hurt business and will make it easier for underage people to get their hands on alcohol.
"Basically they're a liquor store and this is going to hurt a lot of independent stores which isn't fair," Rubin told WBZ NewsRadio's Jay Willett. "It's like we should start selling french fries and pizza."
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Rob Mellion, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association said making the change permanent is unacceptable.
"This is allowing 64 ounces of spirits, which is a bottle of vodka, and it can also include with the same order of food 192 ounces of beer, that's a case," said Mellion.
He is lobbying for the policy to go saying restaurants could permanently go wholesale under the legislation.
"To make drinks-to-go permanent at these quantities, it's too much for the stores to take," said Mellion.
Restaurants and breweries support the change saying it will help bolster the bottom line.
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