Erie County Legislator Joe Lorigo is continuing his advocacy for permanently allowing bars and restaurants in New York State and Erie County to offer alcoholic beverages to-go. Legislator Lorigo voted in support of a resolution that unanimously passed the Legislature Thursday morning.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, bars and restaurants have had the ability to sell cocktails, beer, and wine with takeout orders as a mechanism for people to enjoy beverages while social distancing or dining at home. Takeout alcohol sales have helped the struggling restaurant industry stay afloat and making them permanent would be an extra stream of revenue as businesses begin recovering from pandemic-related losses. Legislator Lorigo first introduced a resolution supporting permanent takeout alcohol sales in June of 2020 and created a petition that received support from hundreds of bar and restaurant owners and Erie County residents.

Legislator Lorigo said, “Thousands of restaurants in New York State have been forced to permanently close their doors because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For many bars and restaurants still hanging on, takeout alcohol sales have been a lifeline. It’s been an extra source of revenue during a difficult time and another way to keep employees on the payroll. While it seems as though there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel, it’s going to be a long road to recovery for struggling businesses in New York State and Erie County. Allowing these establishments to continue offering drinks to-go seems like a no-brainer. I’m happy to support this resolution and will continue fighting on behalf of all bars and restaurants in Erie County and New York State.”

The Governor’s current executive order allowing permanent takeout alcohol sales expires May 6^th.  State lawmakers have recently proposed legislation to extend the order for two years.

“Instead of extending the deadline and kicking the can down the road every few months, it’s time to make this permanent, Legislator Lorigo added. “Our struggling restaurant industry is depending on it.”