JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Ordering an alcoholic beverage to-go, might be something you’ll be able to do even after the covid-19 pandemic is over.
As you may remember, Alcohol to-go was originally apart of an executive order put in place by Governor Ron DeSantis back in March.
The goal was to help restaurants who had been struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic.
Action News Jax Courtney Cole spoke to a local bar owner who doesn’t think it’s a good idea.
“Ordering food or not, it’s not smart,” said Preston Waldrop.
Waldrop is the owner of two bars in Jacksonville. He told Cole he’s not in favor of any proposed legislation that could allow patrons to purchase alcohol to-go.
He told Action News Jax his biggest concern is safety.
“For 28 years, we’ve done this. We have been taught, no open containers. If you drive down the road right now with a beer open, a police officer is going to arrest you for an open container. What’s the difference?” Waldrop questioned.
Senator Jeff Brandes of District 24, (Pinellas County), and Senator Jennifer Bradley of District 5, (which includes 5 counties in our area), have proposed two separate bills.
As Cole read through Senate Bill 134 and Senate Bill 148, she noticed the difference, as questioned by Waldrop, was in the details.
According to the bills they’ve filed, there would be some stipulations to their alcohol
to-go bills— if passed.
-The business would be required to have a state alcohol license
-Liquor would be required to be in a sealed container
-And-
-The alcohol would have to be ordered with food
“I think it’s a horrible idea now that they’re even doing it now just because of the corona, in my opinion,” said Waldrop.
Cole visited a number of local restaurants on Tuesday. None of them were ready to talk to her on-camera, and share their take on this.
But Cole did talk to a woman who offered this solution:
“Drink at home! That’s what I do!” Shannon Chisolm exclaimed, as she laughed.
Cole reached out to both senators to ask if they’re concerned about any potential safety risks that could from their proposed legislation – if passed.
After the story aired, Senator Bradley responded via e-mail and said the following:
“Governor DeSantis offered a lifeline to struggling restaurants and bars when he allowed cocktails to-go by executive order. It’s time to make this permanent. The proposed law allows bars and restaurants to sell drinks with to-go meal orders. The drinks must be in sealed containers. This avoids open container concerns during transport.
Now is no time for outdated restrictions. We need to allow our small businesses to use every tool in their toolbox. It’s been a long year, Floridians deserve a cosmo-to-go.”
Cole is still waiting to hear back from Senator Brandes.
Cox Media Group
