To-go cocktails in NYC are officially back

Drinks To Go, NYC’s wildly popular peak pandemic program where bars and restaurants were allowed to sell take-out cocktails and other drinks, is officially back, having made it into the state Legislators’ budget on Saturday. The program had expired in June but Governor Kathy Hochul said earlier this year that it would return.

There are a few caveats, unsurprisingly. Like before, drinks much be ordered with a “substantial” food item — will this mark the return of white bread cheese sandwiches as well? — and restaurants and bars can no longer sell whole bottles of wine or liquor. Drinks also must be sold in sealed containers and, of course, NYC’s open container laws have not changed.

This is also not a permanent program, but will run for three years and then be reevaluated. Until then, cheers!