Cocktails to-go now available in Washington during stay-at-home order

Initially, restaurants and bars in Washington state were allowed to sell factory-sealed liquor, wine, and beer for takeout as long as food was also part of the order. Many spots began offering cocktail kits that contained all the ingredients and instructions for customers to make their own drinks at home.

Other cities and states around the nation had already allowed the sale of cocktails to-go during the coronavirus pandemic, and now the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board is allowing the same, with restrictions.

Businesses with spirits, beer, and wine licenses may sell pre-mixed alcoholic drinks for takeout and delivery in Washington for the duration of the stay-at-home order.

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Part of the requirements include that drinks have to be served with a “complete meal” as defined here, which must include an entree and a side dish. While side dishes are not required to be included with the entree, they must be offered.

Cocktails also have to be served in a sealed container designed to prevent consumption without the removal of a lid or cap, which means no straws or cups with sipping holes.

The pre-mixed drinks will be placed in the trunk of the vehicle or far enough away that the driver is unable to access it while driving.

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Any drink delivery must be made by a person over 21 years of age who is an employee of the business and has alcohol serving permit. Servers and businesses must also guarantee that the person accepting the order is 21 or over. Open container laws still apply.

This new order kicked in Wednesday, and was effective immediately.