Cocktails to go, yes or no? Local businesses react

CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — On Tuesday, when Governor Wolf’s disaster declaration ended it put an end to ways restaurants and bars were able to stay afloat over the last year. Including the ability to sell mixed drinks to-go.

Local bars and restaurants say they were blindsided as many geared up to sell cocktails to-go this summer. Jake’s Pub and Grill in Johnstown had special drink pouches and a menu ready for the occasion. Julia Distefano, a server at Jake’s, says when they started the to-go drinks back around Christmas they saw a big boost in sales since many people didn’t feel safe to dine-in and some still don’t.

“Even though we couldn’t have people in the restaurant it really brought people out I think knowing that they could still get a drink and get food to-go,” said Julia Distefano a server at Jake’s Pub and Grill.

Without cocktails to-go, staff at Jake’s bar and Grill are worried they’re going to miss out on customers. Governor Wolf has said he wants the Senate to pass a bill that would bring the drinks back and make it permanent.

“I don’t see the difference between being able to go to the store and get a case of beer versus getting a takeout drink that’s sealed shut,” said Chelsey Salem a server at Jake’s Pub and Grill.

6 News asked people in the region if they think to-go cocktails should be brought back and we got responses on both sides of the aisle. Some said they feel it’s not necessary since restaurants and bars can now open at 100% capacity. While others say they still don’t want to go drink inside a crowded bar and the to-go drinks will be missed.

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