DURHAM, N.C. -- Cheers! Gov. Cooper is now allowing businesses to sell alcoholic drinks to go.

The new order is one many business owners have been hoping for, but they've been waiting months for this.

Sean Umstead co-owns Kingfisher in downtown Durham with his wife, Michelle Vanderwalker. The craft cocktail business originally got its to-go bottles back in April, anticipating the move for carry-out cocktails earlier.

"I think this kind of fell by the wayside," Umstead says. "I think it should have happened earlier, but I am really glad it's happening now."

On Monday night, Umstead made 40 to-go cocktails. He is hoping this move helps him and other businesses get through the winter months.

“It was looking like it was going to be pretty hard, and now I feel like we have an avenue to explore and keep Kingfisher afloat,” Umstead says.

The executive order allows one beverage per customer, and is in effect through January 31, 2021.