IA Lawmakers Extend To-Go Alcohol Sales

The move could help bar owners get back on their feet amid the pandemic

Bars and restaurants across the country have been hit hard by the coronavirus lock down... iowa's lawmakers think they have a way to help them out as they get back on their feet.

Kimt news three's nick kruszalnicki is live in mason city with the plan.

Nick?

Yes katie ?

"* it's been about two weeks since bars in the hakweye state were allowed to reopen ?

"* and they're still trying to customers back in the doors.

During the pandemic restaurants offered liquor to go ?

"* and it could soon be common place as lawmakers hope to make those cash registers ring once again.

"we were actually required to close for the full time just until about two weeks ago."

There's no doubt tammy ransom is thrilled to start pouring the brews once again, but she's even happier with lawmakers' decision to extend... liquor to go.

"we are definitely in favor of it."

Ransom owns the oldest bar in mason city, ransom's pleazol.

She thinks the bill would help level the playing field, when it comes to competing with convenience and liquor stores.

"people can walk into a gas station and get liquor in a can to go, they can walk in and get the one and a half ounce airplane bottles to go anywhere, so we pay for the liquor license and everything else so in my opinion, there really no reason not to."

Some iowa legislators raised concerns about minors possibly having easier access to alcohol with this bill.... it's something ransom doesn't see as a risk.

"i don't think it's going to be any more of a big deal than it is for them to ask somebody to buy them beer."

Around town, folks are weighing in on the new freedom.

Maria deike thinks it could be a good money maker for bars ?

"* as log as thirsty patrons know their limits.

"we're getting very creative to keep these businesses up and running and that's really important and i think they're actually putting a little more responsibility on the customers if it becomes a law, the change applies to more than just cans and bottles ?

"* you'd even be able to take mixed drinks home with you, provided it is in a sealed cup with a lid.

Live in mason city, nick kruszalnicki, kimt news 3.

Thank you nick.

Other states are also considering making cocktails to go a permenant thing, such as texas, florida and