Illinois extended its cocktail to-go law, allowing bars and restaurants to sell alcohol to-go for another three years. The law, which was created to help hospitality businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, will now remain in effect until at least January 3, 2024.

Governor JB Pritzker signed the extension into law on Wednesday. The law also included an added incentive for those in Chicago and throughout Illinois to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Bars and restaurants will now be able to offer customers a “shot for a shot.”

In other words, showing proof of vaccination can get legal-drinking age (LDA) consumers a free shot of liquor, hard seltzer, glass of wine, or beer at participating establishments.

“Not only will the vaccine protect you from getting sick — your free COVID-19 shot can now get you a free shot of your choosing or whatever drink suits your palate,” Governor Pritzker said in a statement.

“I’m pleased to sign this legislation into law to offer our hardest-hit businesses another lifeline as we recover from the pandemic.”

The incentive is a great way to get consumers back into some of the businesses that have been hardest hit by the pandemic. Bars and restaurants will be able to offer the free drink from June 10 through July 10, and only from 6pm to 10pm. Customers must provide proof of their vaccination, are only allowed one free drink through the promotion.

For take out options, customers are able to purchase pre-mixed cocktails or a single serving of wine in sealed containers for delivery or carryout. However, the drinks cannot be ordered via third party apps like UberEats or GrubHub.

“Cocktails-to-go is a lifeline to restaurants to survive the pandemic,” said Illinois State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), who co-sponsored the legislation. “Any tool we can provide to help keep this vibrant industry going while they are rebuilding is critical.”

The extension is welcome news as other states allow similar laws to expire. Minnesota, for instance, is no longer allowing bars and restaurants to sell beer and wine for carryout. The executive order, which had allowed for temporary to-go sales, expired on May 28.

Nationally, President Biden is attempting his own “shot and a beer” promotion in order to encourage more Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19. He is teaming up with Anheuser-Busch to buy a round for the country if we reach the goal of having 70% of adults vaccinated by July 4.

“Anheuser-Busch will buy America’s next round of beer, seltzer, non-alcoholic beverage or other A-B product,” the company said in a statement announcing the partnership.

“At Anheuser-Busch, we are committed to supporting the safe and strong recovery of our nation and being able to be together again at the places and with the people we have missed so much,” said Michel Doukeris, CEO of Anheuser-Busch.

“This commitment includes encouraging Americans to get vaccinated, and we are excited to buy Americans 21+ a round of beer when we reach the White House goal.”

Thanks to these innovative initiatives from Governor Pritzker and President Biden, public health never tasted so good.

Erin Grafton
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