While restaurants continue to operate in ‘survival mode’ to weather the financial hardships of the pandemic; a new bill may extend an existing lifeline.

Offering alcohol to-go has been a vital method of revenue sustainment through the pandemic for many bars and restaurants. Now, a state lawmaker wants to allow businesses to keep selling drinks to-go until at least 2022.

State Senator Louie Luchini introduced a bill to extend the practice of takeaway alcohol to at least 2022. Restaurant owners like Hunt and Alpine Club Co-owner Andrew Volk wrote in support of Luchini’s bill. Volk believes that the option is a valued offering for residents and tourists coming to Maine.

The bill passed the committee, and now will hit the House and Senate floors if and when the legislature returns for a special session.