In Case You Haven't Heard…

Abstract

In the “let's take advantage of the pandemic” category, perhaps nobody has been as opportunistic as alcohol purveyors — bars and restaurants in particular lost a lot of business during lockdown. And to make up for it, they — along with willing co‐conspirators in the states — introduced “to‐go” alcohol. Never mind that traffic safety protocol for years has banned open containers in vehicles. Or that liquor stores, for the most part, were still open during lockdown (“essential businesses”?) and people could drink at home. Now, the most recent ruling from Washington state is to continue “to‐go” alcohol for at least two more years. There's not even a pretense that selling to‐go drinks was meant to reduce virus transmission. Instead, governors and legislators alike say it's to help keep the businesses going. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board brought the bill, which Gov. Jay Inslee signed this month, before the legislature. So the “temporary” to‐go policy instituted almost a year ago is now becoming permanent, with no study or task force. Bartenders, you can now prepare mixed cocktails, set up cocktail kits and sell “growlers” curbside — for takeout or for delivery — in Washington state.