To-Go Cocktails Legal In Harford County For Two More Years

BEL AIR, MD —To-go cocktails will remain legal in Harford County for at least two more years, after the Harford County Liquor Control Board voted on Wednesday to keep allowing licensed restaurants to sell and deliver them, WJZ reported.

The carryout and delivery of alcoholic mixed drinks became legal during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Gov. Larry Hogan approved the service in order to help struggling restaurants and bars forced to shut down indoor dining.

It appeared is if to-go cocktails' days could be numbered when, in mid-June, Hogan announced he would withdraw emergency mandates and restrictions starting on July 1, due to falling numbers of COVID-19 cases.

However, legislation passed earlier this year by the Maryland General Assembly gave local liquor licensing boards the power to authorize the allowance of restaurants, bars and taverns to sell and deliver to-go cocktails for two years.

The Harford County Liquor Control Board said Wednesday that restaurants will be permitted to sell to-go mixed drinks in sealed containers through June 30, 2023. According to WJZ, the drinks have to be ordered with food.

"So many businesses in Harford County have been affected by the pandemic, including restaurants," said Harford County Executive Barry Glassman in a statement. "Extending their ability to sell and deliver carry-out alcoholic beverages to their customers will help them get back on their feet."