NY will allow restaurants & bars to sell alcohol to go during coronavirus closure

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo held a press conference this morning about the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, including making bars/restaurants delivery only. This hits the service industry hard, but one way Cuomo is hoping to help restaurants, bars and distilleries/wineries is allowing customers to order anything to go that they would be able to have in the restaurant, including alcohol. “The State Liquor Authority is going to change its rules,” said Cuomo, “that will allow bars, restaurants, distilleries to sell their products off-premises. So whatever you could get in the bar or restaurant or distillery, or winery, you can purchase through take-out. We hope this goes a long way towards alleviating any economic hardship.” Cuomo added that details of that will be released by 5 PM today.

The order making bars, restaurants and cafes take-out/delivery only goes into effect Tuesday (3/17) at 9 AM.