Missouri eases restrictions on curbside alcohol sales

The Missouri government has announced that effective yesterday, Tuesday, April 14, they’ve enacted an emergency suspension of the laws preventing local restaurants from selling pre-batched cocktails, in effect through May 15. Drinks are no longer required to be sold in “the manufacturer’s original container,” as dictated by the amendment. 

Going forward, businesses are able to sell drinks in “durable, leakproof and sealable” containers alongside food; the beverages must be accompanied by a dated receipt. 

Missouri’s decision places it alongside many other states that are currently allowing these items for carryout, and is a victory for countless local businesses that have been working to stay open, frankly, with one hand tied behind their back. 

Nobody was happier about the reversal than Mission Taco Joint co-owner Adam Tilford, whose margarita program was targeted by the government last month for failing to comply with the law. 

WE GOT MARGARITAS TO GO BACK!!! @MissionTacoSTL @MissionTacoKC
— Adam Tilford (@AdamTilford) April 14, 2020

Missouri’s stay-at-home order is currently slated to end on April 22, but both Mayor Lyda Krewson and County Executive Sam Page have speculated it will be extended until at least mid-May. The alcohol law’s amendment didn’t state whether it might be extended alongside an extended stay-at-home order. 

Visit our COVID-19 Restaurant Guide for up-to-date info on to-go offerings. Click here to update a listing.

Adam Rothbarth is the staff writer at Sauce Magazine.