PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — An amendment and a threatened veto have derailed what’s been a lifeline for many restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic.
The drinks-to-go waiver, which not only allowed takeout cocktails but also permitted restaurants to sell drinks in expanded outdoor seating areas without additional licensing or inspections, was part of the governor’s COVID-19 emergency declaration. That declaration was recently lifted as part of the constitutional amendments that passed in May.
A bill to make to-go drinks permanent sailed through the state House with broad bipartisan support. But state Senate Law and Justice Committee chair Mike Regan (R-Cumberland, York) tacked on an amendment that would expand sales of ready-to-drink cocktails — sold in pre-packaged cans or bottles — to certain grocery and convenience stores.
Gov. Tom Wolf pledged a veto, arguing the amendment goes way beyond the intent of the drinks-to-go legislation and delves into privatization, a debate that has raged on for years in Pennsylvania. Republicans say it would offer convenience and benefit all liquor license-holders.
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The amended bill squeaked through the state Senate 26-24 and heads back to the House.
Because of the amendment and the threatened veto, Democrats say it could take until the fall to get the legislation passed.
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