An executive order from the governor allowing bars and restaurants to sell take-out alcohol expires Saturday.

In Western New York, there's a growing push from lawmakers, the community and the industry to make the policy permanent.

What You Need To Know

  • Executive order allowing bars and restaurants to sell take-out alcohol expires Saturday

  • Western New York businesses rallying to make the policy permanent

  • Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul says she's talked to the State Liquor Authority about an extension

"We really showed that we were able to do this through the pandemic so I just don't see any reason why we wouldn't," Brandon Carr, owner of The Quarter in Buffalo, said.

Bars and restaurants in the region have been back open at half capacity for about a week now.

"Even just getting back into Phase 3 with 50 percent capacity, I think it's been really nice, a good transition rather than everyone just herding in right away back into it," Carr said.

But during the pandemic, he said he shifted his model to focus on delivery and curbside pickups and he's still getting quite a bit of that kind of business now. He'd like to continue to allow those customers to purchase alcohol.

"You can do anything, you know, just from like a  mixed drink like a  Jameson and ginger to our signature cocktail, you know, our Hurricane, different types of beer, wine, champagne, everything like that," Carr said.

He is one of dozens of people associated with the industry who have signed onto Erie County Legislator Joe Lorigo's petition asking the state to make take-out alcohol permanent. Lorigo, C, said in the roughly week and a half since the county Legislature passed a resolution in support of the idea. Hundreds of people total have signed the petition.

"I've seen a ton of support," Lorigo said. "The trial run has gone very, very well. It's my understanding that DWIs have gone down during the COVID situation so this is, it's a good practice and given the state of the economy, given the fact that so many small business owners are running restaurants, this could really help them stay on their feet."

The State Liquor Authority said a permanent change would require action from the state Legislature. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, D-NY, said she's had conversations with the SLA about, at least, an extension. 

"I know it's been very beneficial to many of our followers and restaurants that have lost significant revenue over the last three and a half months so those conversations are going on as we speak," Hochul said.

Carr said he doesn't believe there is any downside.

"Everything's going to be in a sealed container, no different than if you were going to a liquor store or your local convenience store to purchase alcohol and bring it home. If anything it would actually promote people staying at their residence to drink," he said.