Gopal bill would let bars, breweries deliver

State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch) wants the state’s wineries, breweries and distilleries to deliver.

The Senator on Wednesday introduced a bill that would allow alcoholic beverage manufacturers to sell their products via takeout and delivery. The bill would also let restaurants and bars to sell cocktails and other mixed drinks via takeout, though such drinks would be limited to sealed containers no larger than 2 cups.

“Restaurants and our hospitality businesses have been uniquely impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, and we need to do all we can to help this vital industry stay afloat,” Gopal said. “With dining rooms and bars closed across our state, it makes no sense to ban restaurants and craft beverage manufacturers from offering alcoholic beverages for takeout and delivery, especially when liquor stores are already empowered to do the same.”

Allowing such businesses to continue selling their products during a near-total business shutdown would provide them with much-needed revenue amid the COVID-19 crisis, Gopal said.

Gopal made a separate call to aid the restaurant industry on Wednesday.

The senator asked that counties and municipalities allow restaurants to use government land to make up for capacity reductions that will likely be part of the state’s reopening plan.

“Here’s the reality: At 25% capacity, these restaurants will be nowhere close to breaking even — but with added outdoor space, they will have more room for customers while practicing proper social distancing,” Gopal said. “If we want these small businesses to stay afloat, governments need to do everything they can to support restaurants, their employees, and their customers when they re-open.”