Alexandrians Celebrate New Cocktail-To-Go Directive

Starting at midnight, local restaurants will have the option to serve cocktails to go.

Gov. Ralph Northam directed the Virginia ABC on Wednesday to allow businesses with mixed beverage licenses — like restaurants and distilleries — to sell mixed drinks through take out or delivery.

The move was pushed heavily by Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney.

Hey @LevarStoney Let’s have a virtual toast this week!

Thank you @GovernorVA and @VirginiaABC https://t.co/U9tIxN4tpt

— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) April 8, 2020

Bill Blackburn, co-owner of the Homegrown Restaurant Group, said that Pork Barrel BBQ, The Sushi Bar, Holy Cow Del Ray, Sweet Fire Donna’s and Tequila & Taco are exploring selling mixed drinks to go with food orders.

“We’re excited about ramping up our to go margarita program at Tequila & Taco,” Blackburn told ALXnow.

On Facebook, locals celebrated by saying they planning to line up for margaritas at Taqueria el Poblano (2400 Mt Vernon Avenue), though were urged by the mayor to do so with at least six feet of distance between people in the line. Taqueria el Poblano said they would deliver cocktails and orders could be placed as late at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

See you Friday! https://t.co/0oJJ4eqiOd

— TaqueriaPoblanoDelRayVA (@delraytaco) April 8, 2020

https://twitter.com/patpend/status/1247190292324909056

The Virginia ABC issued the following guidance on restaurants selling mixed drinks to go:

In order to maintain public safety, there will be restrictions placed on the service of mixed beverages in this fashion. Below are the highlights of the temporary regulation adjustment.

• Distillery licensees are limited to a maximum of two mixed drinks per delivery or takeout order that contain 1½ ounces or less of spirits per drink.
• Mixed beverage restaurants and limited mixed beverage restaurants are limited to four cocktails for each delivery or take out sale. Each order for delivery or takeout of cocktails must include a meal for every two cocktails purchased.
• Cocktails shall be packaged in a glass, paper or plastic container (or similar disposable container) or in a single original metal can with a secure lid or cap designed to prevent consumption without removal of the lid or cap (lids with sipping holes or openings for straws are prohibited).
• All recipients of delivery orders must be at least 21 years of age.

Photo via Dave B/Flickr