One for the road

I’ll have the fish fry, and an old fashioned to go, please. That is not legal in Wisconsin, but that could change. Support is growing in Madison for allowing Wisconsin bars and restaurants to offer cocktails for the road. Of course, you couldn’t drink them until you got home as they would be packaged with tamper evident seals. This is a good idea, but not a new one. Thirty states currently allow for sales of alcohol to go. The pandemic has hit the hospitality industry including bars and restaurants harder than most others. Allowing them to make a few more bucks selling mixed drinks or glasses of wine for those ordering takeout would give them another lifeline. Profit margins on alcohol sales are higher than for food, and booze sales at bars are down, while many restaurants have seen a sharp uptick in their to go orders. Many who are eager to order food would likely also grab a cocktail to go with their meal. If you could pick up a brandy old fashioned sweet along with your fish and slaw, wouldn’t you? This legislation would at least help our struggling bars and restaurants. Wisconsin should join a majority of states and allow us to grab one for the road.