It started out as a temporary emergency order in March 2020 because of the pandemic, and then extended after the June 2021 re-opening of California, take-out beer, wine, and cocktails will be around for at least another five years.
Instead of ending at 11:59 PM on Friday, State Bill 389 (Bill Dodd, Napa) will continue to allow restaurants and bars to sell “to-go” wine, beer, and cocktails – provided the drinks are sold with food – until Dec. 31, 2026.
The new law was one of several pandemic-related changes to ease bar and restaurant restrictions that will continue into the New Year.
SB 314 (Scott Weiner, San Francisco) also goes into effect on Jan. 1, which allows restaurants to continue to sell alcohol in “parklets,” but only for three more years.
Gov. Gavin Newsom also signed companion bill Assembly Bill 61 (Jesse Gabriel, Woodland Hills), making it easier for pop-ups to get temporary food and liquor licenses.
The law allows permitted food facilities within any local jurisdiction that vis subject to retail food operation restrictions related to a COVID-19 public health response to prepare and serve food as a temporary satellite food service, without obtaining a separate satellite food service permit.
This law remains in effect for one year following the end of the pandemic state of emergency or until Jan. 1, 2024, whichever occurs first. ■