BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — At a press conference updating Massachusetts residents about the state's efforts to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Charlie Baker made a series of proposals meant to help the Commonwealth during the crisis—including letting restaurants sell beer and wine via takeout and delivery.
The Baker administration said they are looking into "permitting establishments licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption to sell wine and beer by take-out and delivery, provided that the wine or beer is sold in the original sealed container, is sold in the same transaction as a purchase of food, and is not over certain volume limitations."
The beer and wine proposal is part of "An Act to Further Address Challenges Faced by Municipalities and School Districts Resulting from COVID-19," filed by Baker, which would make several changes to state and municipal laws and permitting processes in order to try to provide "administrative relief."
"To be able to add that beer or wine in a sealed container to a takeout meal or a delivery meal ... that is also included in this municipal relief package," Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said at the press conference.
Massachusetts restaurants have been closed to dine-in services for a week now.
Last week, State Sen. Diana DiZoglio called for a proposal like this one. Speaking to WBZ NewsRadio, she said such a plan would help restaurants hit hard by the economic effects of the COVID-19 response, since alcohol can account for up to 30 percent of sales for some establishments.
New Hampshire allowed the sale of beer and wine by takeout and delivery last week.
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