Maryland governor signs bill making cocktails to-go permanent in Baltimore County

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has signed legislation permanently restoring cocktails to-go in Baltimore County, reviving a pandemic-era convenience that lapsed nearly three years ago.

Mr. Moore signed HB 121 and SB 72, a bipartisan pair of bills that allow Baltimore County bars and restaurants to include specialty cocktails with carryout orders when paired with prepared food. The measures take effect July 1.

The option had been available during the COVID-19 pandemic as an emergency lifeline for the hospitality industry, but the allowance expired June 30, 2023. The new law makes the practice a permanent fixture in Baltimore County.

Under the legislation, cocktails must be sold in sealed containers, may not be ordered through third-party delivery apps such as DoorDash or Uber Eats, and must be purchased alongside prepared food. Customers are required to present valid identification proving they are at least 21 years old.

Emily Smith, vice president of state public policy at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, praised the signing, saying what began as a lifeline during the pandemic had quickly become a popular option that allows customers to enjoy restaurant-quality drinks at home.

Sen. Carl Jackson, one of the bill’s sponsors, said the legislation helps small businesses grow while maintaining safeguards for public safety. Delegate Kathy Szeliga, his co-sponsor, called it common-sense policy that lets restaurants respond to customer demand.

Baltimore County joins a growing majority of states that have made similar pandemic-era measures permanent. The Distilled Spirits Council reported earlier this year that 32 states and the District of Columbia have now enacted laws permanently allowing cocktails to-go, reflecting widespread consumer demand and demonstrated benefits for on-premise businesses.