California Legislature Passes Bill to Extend Cocktails To-Go Until 2029

The California Legislature passed AB 2663, legislation to continue to allow cocktails to‑go until 2029, extending convenience for adult consumers while supporting local restaurants. The bill now moves to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for signature.

Cocktails to‑go were temporarily permitted in California during the COVID‑19 pandemic to help businesses stay afloat and provide flexibility for consumers. That ability is currently set to expire in December 2026.

“Adult consumers in California are one step closer to enjoying cocktails to-go for another three years,” said Adam Smith, vice president of state government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “What began as a lifeline for neighborhood restaurants has become a convenient, popular option for consumers. Extending cocktails to-go allows local businesses to continue meeting customer demand while giving adults more flexibility to enjoy restaurant-quality cocktails at home. We thank the Legislature for its support and urge Governor Newsom to sign this legislation.”

AB 2663 allows restaurants to sell cocktails to-go in manufacturer-sealed containers (such as canned or bottled cocktails) or in containers with secure, sealed lids. Cocktails must be sold with a meal.

Since the start of the pandemic, 32 states and the District of Columbia have made cocktails to-go permanent, reflecting strong consumer demand and proven success for on-premise businesses. Other states, including California, continue to allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis.

The distilled spirits industry is committed to responsibility and encourages moderation for adults who choose to drink. Cocktails to-go are intended for home consumption, and all laws governing alcohol consumption must be observed.

BACKGROUND

States that signed legislation to make cocktails to-go permanent into law:

Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia have all made COVID-era cocktails to-go measures permanent.

States that signed legislation to allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis into law:

California (expires December 31, 2026), New Jersey (TBD) and New York (expires April 9, 2030) still allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis.