LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Alcohol to-go, could be here to stay. Florida lawmakers are discussing making Governor Ron DeSantis’s order on to-go alcohol, permanent.
Doug Scott, Director of Operations at Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill says the bill unnecessary, since Florida bars and restaurants are open to full capacity.
“If I was in New York, or one of these states that still don’t have dining in, I could see the value of it,” he said.
If passed, Florida Senate Bill 148 would also allow hotels to serve to-go alcohol if they have more than 80 guest rooms.
The bill is limited to restaurants whose revenue comes from at least 51 percent food sale, which includes Coconut Falls in Fort Myers.
But, Scott says this add-on service would take away from the full experience, and their pockets.
“Coming out to see the entertainment, they’ll have a cocktail or two. Then it leads into an appetizer, and you have a chance to up-sell,” he said.
Containers must be sealed and out of a driver’s reach in the car. If passed, the law will go into effect in July.
