Representative Overdorf:
Thank you for considering this testimony. The R Street Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research organization. Our mission is to engage in policy research and outreach to promote free markets and limited, effective government in many areas. Part of that work includes analyzing and supporting rational alcoholic beverage policies that respect individual freedom, free enterprise and the public well-being.
Our team has been closely following efforts across the country to modernize the system around to-go and delivery alcohol. Since the coronavirus pandemic began, over 30 states have implemented some form of temporary authorization for to-go and delivery mixed beverages from restaurants and bars. Several states, including Ohio and Iowa, have already made these reforms permanent via enacted legislation. In addition, so far, over a dozen more states are likewise considering legislation to make permanent or substantially extend to-go cocktails.