To-go cocktails here to stay; how Yuma bars and restaurants are handling the change

News 11's Adonis Albright speaks with business owners around town to see where they're at

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed HB 2773 last Friday, clearing the way for restaurants, bars, and liquor stores to continue selling alcohol even after the pandemic. Businesses around Yuma are looking at their options to decide if they'll keep offering alcoholic beverages to-go.

Although there are still some logistical hurdles to figure out when it comes to implementing the legislation, Yvonne Peach, the owner of Yuma Landing Bar and Grill, says although her establishment didn't originally offer cocktails to go, she is interested in pursuing a license when all the details get sorted out.

“It’s really not something that was a necessity before the pandemic. I don’t think anyone would have thought of it, you want them to come in your bar, you want them to spend time, buy food. The pandemic has made things different.”

Bob Lutes, the Lute's Casino downtown owner, said his restaurant has been offering alcoholic beverages to go since even before the pandemic because they're in possession of a series 6 liquor license through the Arizona Department of Liquor.

“We had it before it even started, but it’s definitely an asset for everybody, and we’re glad to see it in", said Lutes.

Related: To-go cocktails are here to stay

According to the text of the bill, bars and liquor stores will be able to start selling cocktails on October 1. However, restaurants will have to lease the ability to sell alcohol to go through a bar in the same county.

Beginning in 2026, owners will have to apply for a permit through the state of Arizona. It's also worth noting that customers will have to order food in order to get an alcoholic drink to go.