Hey, what doesn’t “tequila” (ta-kill-ya) makes you stronger, right? So whether toasting Margarita Monday or just feeling salty… pick up some margs to-go from one of these Raleigh bars or restaurants—and let the fiesta begin.
*UPDATE MARCH 30* Gov. Cooper extended delivery and takeout mixed drinks through April 30.
WEB EXCLUSIVE On Monday, Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order authorizing the North Carolina ABC Commission to allow mixed drinks to be delivered or carried out as an alternative to in-person consumption. The order is in effect from December 21 at 5 p.m. to March 31. Here’s what you need to know about the ruling and what local bars will be offering to-go cocktails.
Only businesses with certain ABC Commission permits are allowed to sell mixed drinks to-go or for delivery, including restaurants, hotels, private clubs, private bars and some distilleries.
“This order will help people avoid settings that can contribute to increased viral spread while giving restaurants and bars a financial boost that they need right now,” Gov. Cooper said in a statement. “With cases and hospitalizations high around the country, let’s all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 while supporting local, small businesses safely.”
Know How to Go
You must have proof of age and identification. You will have to prove you are over 21 whether your cocktail is for carry-out or delivery.
Buyer must be recipient. The person who purchases the drink must be the person who receives it. That means your partner/spouse/friend/mother can’t pick up your carry-out cocktail.
How many? You can only purchase one at a time (it can be a double) and if you appear intoxicated the seller or delivery driver can refuse to give it to you. More than one drink can be delivered per house because multiple people live in the same house, but each purchaser must be present to receive their drink.
Can I buy a bottle of liquor? No. But they can sell you bottles of wine and/or beer.
Do I have to order food to get cocktail delivered? No.
Hours: Delivery or carry-out cocktails are available until 2 a.m. You can leave your home to pick one up. However, on premise sales still must end by 9 p.m.
Transporting cocktails to-go. Open container laws are still in effect. The sealed cocktail container must be kept in the passenger area of the car at all times.
For more details, read the full executive order here, or go to the state’s FAQ page.
Killjoy, the soon-to-open cocktail bar near Glenwood South, and the popular cocktail bar Haymaker are teaming up to bring cocktail mixes to the masses. Mixes for some of Haymaker’s most popular drinks, and some of Killjoy’s most intriguing (sans booze, of course) will be available for customers to order in bulk and mix with their own spirits at home. During the coronavirus lockdown, restaurants and bars might get some leeway to sell mixed drinks. Lynn Minges, president and CEO of the NC Restaurant and Lodging Association, says her organization is working with state officials to relax mixed drink rules for pickup and delivery during the pandemic. Cheers to that, we say!
