California lawmakers pass legislation to extend cocktails-to-go until 2029

California state lawmakers have passed Assembly Bill 2663, which extends the ability for restaurants to sell alcoholic drinks to-go for an additional three years, allowing this policy to remain in effect until 2029. The current law permitting the sale of cocktails for off-site consumption is set to expire on December 31, 2026. Under the new measure, restaurants can sell cocktails in manufacturer-sealed containers or containers with secure, sealed lids, provided that the alcohol is purchased with a meal. This policy was initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to support restaurants facing restrictions on indoor dining. Adam Smith, vice president of state government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the US, stated, "Adult consumers in California are one step closer to enjoying cocktails to-go for another five years." He noted that this extension allows local businesses to continue meeting customer demand while providing adults with more flexibility to enjoy cocktails at home. Currently, California is one of a few states where cocktails to-go remain a temporary measure. New Jersey also allows takeaway cocktails temporarily, while New York's law is set to expire on April 9, 2030. In contrast, 32 states and Washington, DC, have made cocktails to-go a permanent option. The legislation applies only to adults and does not alter existing alcohol consumption laws.