Cocktails to-go are here to stay in Texas: Gov. Greg Abbott signs change into law May 12

“Governor Abbott acted quickly to support Texas restaurants and bars by allowing cocktails to-go via executive order during the pandemic,” Kristi Brown, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States senior director of state government relations, said in the release. “Cocktails to-go provided a much-needed lifeline for struggling hospitality businesses and prevented the permanent closure of many. Now that this measure is permanent, hospitality businesses will have increased stability as they begin the long path to recovery."

Other bills filed in the Texas Legislature would allow liquor sales seven days a week or enable local elections to determine if liquor sales would be allowed seven days a week. As of May 12, these bills have not been given committee approval.

A poll from the council shows 65% of Texas voters support both cocktails to-go and seven-day sales at liquor stores and craft distilleries, according to the release.