Queens leaders urge state to make drinks-to-go permanent

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Several Queens lawmakers gathered at Mojitos Restaurant Bar in Jackson Heights to mark the second anniversary of the emergency orders that shut down all dining and drinking establishments at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The elected officials spoke in support of Governor Kathy Hochul’s efforts to make alcohol-to-go permanent in this year’s final budget.

“Just like temporary liquor licenses, bringing back to-go cocktails is about parity for small businesses in the restaurant industry,” state Senator Jessica Ramos said. “During the height of the pandemic, the hospitality industry used the expanse of its creativity to stay afloat while keeping our communities safe. The go-to drink revenue stream allowed them to hire more people and reinvigorate our commercial corridors when it was desperately needed. Now they need a lifeline to recovery and we can deliver.”