Arizona bill would open up to-go alcohol sales for more restaurants

PHOENIX – A proposed Arizona House bill would allow more restaurants and bars to sell to-go alcohol months after state officials ended the practice because of licensing issues.

Rep. Jeff Weninger introduced HB 2773 on Tuesday. Restaurants would be able to apply for off-sale permits at the Arzona Department of Liquor. Sellers would be required to undergo additional training.

The bill would also allow sales through third-party delivery apps.

“This is an important win all around,” Weninger said in a press release.

The Chandler restaurant owner added that the increased revenue would help keep the affected businesses open beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

A Maricopa County judge ruled in November that Gov. Doug Ducey exceeded his authority in March by suspending certain parts of the liquor license law to help restaurants stay afloat during the pandemic.

The decision triggered enforcement.

A series 6 “bar license” and a series 7 “beer and wine bar license” allow establishments to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises as well as consumption off the licensed premises as long as the alcohol is in an unopened container.

A series 12 “restaurant license” allows an establishment to only sell liquor and spirits on the premises.

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