Mixed drinks now allowed with delivery and to-go orders in Mass.

BOSTON — You can now get your favorite cocktail along with your takeout order or food delivery in Massachusetts.

Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill Monday allowing restaurants to offer sealed containers of alcoholic mixed drinks with takeout and food orders for delivery. It takes effect immediately.

The new cocktails to-go law is aimed at helping struggling restaurants with additional revenue as the coronavirus crisis stretches on.

The owners of C.F. McCarthy’s in downtown Canton were just hitting their stride as a new business after being open for one year but then the pandemic shut them down.

“We were really excited about what this year was going to bring for us,” said Steve Carey – Owner, C.F. McCarthy’s, Canton.

A strong menu has stabilized the stunning losses so many restaurants have experienced.

“We had to endure – like a lot of people had to endure but luckily, we are out the other side now – we are thrilled to be welcoming people back in,” said Carey.

The addition of “mixed drink to go” law, allowing cocktails for takeout is a chance for the business to get a boost to their bottom line and let their strengths shine.

Restaurants are already allowed to offer limited quantities of beer or wine under a law signed in April, but the new bill will expand the offerings to mixed drinks - distilled spirits and mixers - for off-premises consumption only. The law will be in effect through February 2021 or until the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted, whichever comes later.

“The fresh ingredients we use for all the cocktails that’s huge,” said owner Gilmar Cassiano .

“That can be a difference maker for us – we’re not a place that’s just a vodka soda, jack and coke place…we really focus on scratch cocktails made with quality fresh ingredients,” said Carey.

Restaurants can begin selling them immediately, with a few guidelines:

• Mixed drinks must be in a sealed container and sold with food.
• Customers are limited to 64 ounces per transaction and can only order mixed drinks until 12 a.m.
• If you are picking up a cocktail with your takeout, you need to travel with it in the trunk of your car, or in an area that does not hold passengers. The same rule applies for delivery drivers transporting food and mixed drinks to your door.

Massachusetts is joining 30 other states and Washington, D.C. in allowing to-go cocktails, according to the Distilled Spirits Council.

Maguires Bar and Grill in Easton has been on the forefront of adapting to regulations during the pandemic.

Owner Neil Levine has decided to wait and see before offering mixed drinks for takeout.

“I can appreciate an establishment that’s struggling to survive when that’s all they have…and that’s what they need to get by and make a living. For some people it makes sense….for us – we are going to monitor it and not jump into it right away,” said Levine.

One thing Levine is convinced of, all the new rules and regulations are going to be around for longer than many would like.

“I think what we are gonna see what we are going right now…. continue for about two years,” said Levine.

Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts

>> Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here

RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW

- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV