For the foreseeable future, businesses with a liquor license can sell cocktails-to-go.

Gov. Tom Wolf signed House Bill 327, now Act 21 of 2020, on Thursday, which allows the temporary sale of cocktails-to-go from any business with a liquor license, including bars, restaurants or hotels. The law takes effect immediately.

“This new temporary rule creates more business for bars and restaurants when they need it, helps to meet customer demand and supports social distancing,” said Wolf in a statement Thursday. “As we approach the holiday weekend, I encourage all Pennsylvanians to remember to drink responsibly.”

Tricia Christy, operations manager for the W. Ricks Taproom & Grill, expects the business should see a decent boost from the added capability.

“What’s really missing is our alcohol sales,” Christy said. “We’ve been selling just growlers to go. They go well, but not tremendously. We’re definitely looking forward to this.”

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board offered guidance Thursday, including a reminder that Pennsylvania’s open container law applies.

The beverages must be sold in containers with a secure lid in quantities from 4 ounces to 64 ounces before 11 p.m. An additional seal is required on the straw opening of a lid.

Within 60 days, bars and restaurants must use a transaction scan device to verify a consumer's age if the person appears to be younger than 35 years of age.

The temporary rule expires after the COVID-19 disaster emergency ends and a business reaches 60 percent capacity.

This is an excerpt from a larger article that will appear in Friday's Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article and find out what other local businesses have to say about the change.