New cocktail to-go law helping Tulsa businesses recover after pandemic
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Some Tulsa businesses are still trying to figure out how to-go cocktails can work, and if it's even worth the hassle. But, the businesses that have started selling to-go drinks have said they love giving their customers the option to take some home.
The law allows establishments with a mixed beverage or caterer license to sell a cocktail, mixed drink or single-serve wine placed in sealed containers.
“We’ve chosen to do pretty much just everything that’s already sealed that’s comes from the manufacture that way there's no if and or buts about it.” said Baldo Rodriguez, owner of Arena Bar and Grill. “It builds the guest check average but it also makes our guests happy. Were not just those naysayers that always say no. We’re helping you”
Rodriguez says although Arena Bar and Grill isn't mixing up cocktails, they are happy to have the option.
Although the law just went into affect last month, Rodriguez says it is already proving to be profitable- especially for one of the hardest hit industries by the pandemic.
“You take the punches as they come and all you can do is keep chucking forward and that’s what we’ve done and these laws helps us,” said Rodriguez.
Justin Carpenter, the owner at High Drive, agrees.
“Its sink or swim so there’s not really an option not to roll with,” said Carpenter.
Carpenter also owns Foolish Things Bar and Biscuit on Brookside, which is now offering to go drinks as well.
“We decided to offer up of entire menu to offer up to go so we found some really cool glass bottles that we can sell basically two servings for people to order and take with them to go,” Carpenter said.
Both business owners said they hope more people and other businesses start to take advantage of the to go options.
