If you’ve enjoyed buying beer, wine or spirits and picking them up curbside or having them delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic, that may become a permanent perk under state law.
A bill on Governor Kevin Stitt’s desk would make delivery and curbside sales of alcohol permanently legal upon his signing it. While most retailers could sell or deliver “sealed original containers,” restaurants, bars and clubs would get to sell or deliver “closed packages.” Oklahoma Beer Alliance President Lisette Barnes said that’s so they can fill growlers from their taps.
"And especially during this time when these retail establishments had quite a bit of these kegs in their facilities and unable to have any way of selling that product, this is a good way for them to do that," Barnes said.
Curbside sales and delivery may only be offered directly to customers, however, meaning employees of a liquor store, grocery store or restaurant must make the delivery. So, no getting a beer with your DoorDash order.
"Employees that obtain their licenses to work in a liquor store and bars and restaurants are trained to check IDs, make sure that they’re not selling to minors and those type of things," Barnes said.
Another bill before the governor would let grocery and convenience stores sell beer with up to 15% alcohol by volume. They’re currently capped at 8.99%, so only liquor stores can sell beer stronger than that. That would take effect July 1 if signed into law.
