Food

For a Restaurant to Be Able to Offer Mixed Beverages To-Go, Which of the Following Are True?

Introduction

The food and beverage industry has changed dramatically in recent years, with one major shift being the allowance of to-go alcoholic beverages in many states. This raised an important compliance question: For a restaurant to be able to offer mixed beverages to-go, which of the following are true?

The answer depends on state laws, licensing, and strict safety measures. Restaurants must meet several requirements before they can legally sell mixed drinks for off-premises consumption. In this guide, we’ll break down those requirements, highlight key legal conditions, and show how businesses can stay compliant.


The Legal Framework of To-Go Mixed Beverages

Traditionally, restaurants and bars could only serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. However, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, many states relaxed these laws to help restaurants maintain revenue.

Today, the ability to sell to-go cocktails depends on state-specific alcohol regulations, and businesses must comply with detailed rules.


For a Restaurant to Offer Mixed Beverages To-Go, Which Rules Apply?

The main keyword—for a restaurant to be able to offer mixed beverages to-go which of the following are true—is answered by looking at the three major requirements:

1. The Restaurant Must Hold a Valid Liquor License

  • Only restaurants with the proper on-premises liquor license can sell mixed drinks.

  • The license must specifically allow for alcohol sales, not just beer and wine.

  • In some states, an additional permit is required for off-premises alcohol.

2. Beverages Must Be Properly Sealed and Packaged

  • Containers must be tamper-proof and sealed at the point of sale.

  • Open containers (such as a cup with a straw) are strictly prohibited.

  • Labels may need to include the restaurant’s information and a “to-go” notice.

3. Alcohol Must Be Sold With Food

  • Many states require that to-go mixed drinks be sold only with a food order.

  • This prevents alcohol-only sales and ensures compliance with restaurant-focused regulations.


Additional Restrictions Restaurants Should Know

Apart from licensing and packaging, restaurants must also follow:

  • Age Verification: Staff must check IDs to ensure customers are 21+.

  • Delivery Limitations: In some jurisdictions, only employees—not third-party apps—can deliver alcoholic beverages.

  • Quantity Limits: States often restrict the number of to-go cocktails per order.

  • Geographic Rules: Some states made to-go cocktail allowances permanent, while others still classify them as temporary.


Examples of State Laws

Texas

  • Allows mixed drinks to-go under the “cocktails-to-go law.”

  • Drinks must be sealed in original containers or tamper-proof packaging.

  • Food purchase required.

New York

  • Extended its to-go cocktail program but requires substantial food orders with alcohol.

California

  • Permits cocktails to-go if sold with food.

  • Containers must be sealed and clearly labeled.

These examples show that while the concept is widely accepted, each state applies unique requirements.


Why Compliance Matters

Failure to follow alcohol-to-go regulations can lead to:

  • Fines and penalties.

  • Suspension or loss of liquor license.

  • Legal liability for accidents involving improperly sold drinks.

That’s why restaurants must stay updated with their local Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) laws and provide employee training on compliance.


Alternatives for Non-Alcoholic To-Go Beverages

Not every customer wants alcohol. Restaurants can expand their offerings with creative non-alcoholic beverages that still deliver flavor and excitement. For example, premium fruit-based drinks from mrmocodrinks.com provide a refreshing, ready-to-drink solution that can be sold to-go without the same restrictions as alcohol.


Final Thoughts

So, for a restaurant to be able to offer mixed beverages to-go, which of the following are true? The restaurant must:

  1. Hold a valid liquor license.

  2. Package beverages in sealed, tamper-proof containers.

  3. Pair alcohol sales with food orders.

By following these requirements, restaurants can safely and legally participate in the growing to-go beverage market while boosting revenue and customer satisfaction.


FAQs

1. Can all restaurants sell mixed beverages to-go?
No. Only restaurants with the appropriate liquor license and compliance with state laws can offer to-go cocktails.

2. Do customers need to order food with to-go drinks?
In many states, yes. To-go alcohol must be sold alongside food to meet legal requirements.

3. Are cocktails-to-go permanent?
Some states have made them permanent, while others allow them temporarily or with specific restrictions.

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