Once the coronavirus pandemic hit U.S. shores and the lockdown began, people began hitting the bottle, seeing alcohol sales rocket. With restaurants struggling to stay afloat throughout the pandemic, several states looked to boost revenue with to-go alcohol sales. Now, more than a year after the start of the pandemic, some states are looking to make to-go alcohol a permanent law. On this episode of the Happy Mouth podcast, chef Nyesha Arrington and restaurateur Philip Camino take a look at the latest states to make to-go alcohol sales permanent and what the change in philosophy could mean -- both positive and negative. Listen to Philip and Nyesha discuss to-go alcohol: Between March 22 and March 29 -- 10 days after the WHO declared coronavirus as a global pandemic -- liquor sales rose 204% Throughout the pandemic, alcohol sales outpaced previous years The potential reasons why alcohol sales shot up and stayed high Restaurants typically make between 30%-40% of their revenue from alcohol sales 14 states and the District of Columbia have approved of regulations allowing restaurants to sell to-go alcohol permanently 6 more states have approved of extending to-go alcohol until at least 2022 At least 15 other states are debating active bills to keep this legislation in place The potential risks and benefits of to-go alcohol becoming more widespread Links: Happy Mouth Podcast Instagram Happy Mouth’s June 1 episode about hospitality trends that could continue Newsweek - How alcohol sales have shifted during COVID-19 CNBC - To-go cocktails will stick around in at least 20 states after the pandemic NIH - State alcohol-related laws during the COVID-19 emergency JAMA Network - Changes in adult alcohol use and consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic FSR - Alcohol sales help restaurants stay afloat during pandemic We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other shows: Full Comp  The Happy Mouth Morning Show Restaurant Marketing School The Playbook