SPRINGFIELD — Governor JB Pritzker formally signed off on the sale of cocktails for pickup and delivery across Illinois Tuesday, as many bars and restaurants struggle to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, Pritzker said bars and restaurants have been among the “hardest-hit” after stay-at-home orders closed their doors back in March.
While they can serve customers outdoors during Phase 3 of Illinois’ plan for reopening under certain restrictions, permitting pickup and delivery will allow bars and restaurants to start bringing in more money now, Pritzker said.
“This legislation will provide these businesses with a critical tool to bring in additional income until they can safely and fully reopen their doors once more,” Pritzker said in a statement.
The law allowing the sale of cocktails for pickup and delivery in Illinois does have a few restrictions.
Cocktails must be delivered by someone who is over 21, has been trained to serve alcohol and can verify the customer is of drinking age.
They can’t be delivered via a third-party app, and must come in a sealed and labeled container that would indicate if it’s been tampered with en route.
In addition to Illinois, 34 other states have implemented similar policies, according to the state.