HARLINGEN – Texas allowing alcohol to-go was intended to be temporary, but it could be here to stay even after the pandemic is over.
Governor Greg Abbott tweeted Saturday night, expressing his support to keep alcohol to-go permanently.
“There’s talks of a legislative solution to make it permanent. That would of course require the legislature, which doesn’t convene until January to pass the bill, so that’s certainly on our radar,” said Kelsey Erickson Streufert, Texas Restaurant Association’s Vice President for Government Affairs and Advocacy.
Streufert said while they wait, they propose that Governor Abbott expands the waiver to allow mixed drinks.
“A restaurant has to mix the beverage on sight under their existing TABC license or permit and then they also have to seal it before it’s been handed over for delivery or take out,” said Streufert.
Under the current guidelines, restaurants can only sell do-it yourself kits, but restaurants want the state to know they can do more.
“We’ll work with TABC and restaurants across the state to make sure it’s implemented exactly as intended and safely and that both customers and restaurants know what the expectations are,” Streufert said.
Governor Abbott has yet to announce how long the waiver will be extended for. The permanent alcohol to-go measure could be considered for next years legislative session.
