Georgia 'to-go' cocktails signed into law

ATLANTA - Gov. Brian Kemp signed two bills into law on Wednesday making the legal sale of to-go cocktails from restaurants permanent.

The law's backers said it's a crucial step in helping restaurants hit hard, financially, by the pandemic. Alcoholic beverages are some of the highest-profiting items on menus.

Critics said loosening restrictions on alcohol sales leads to potential problems. 

Currently, more than 30 states plus the District of Columbia are allowing restaurants to sell cocktails to-go with Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia making pandemic policies permanent, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. 

Licensed food service establishments can sell mixed drinks in a sealed container — with no straw holes — and the bill requires customers to pick up orders in-person with their ID and secure drinks in a locked glove compartment, trunk,or behind the last car seat. 

The law states "mixed drinks" can contain no more than 3 ounces of distilled spirits. 

While some argue that the pandemic may subside and people will return to dining in restaurants more regularly, some indications show the pandemic permanently interrupted dining routines. 

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