McKee signs extension on alcohol to-go policy until March 2022

This is set to last through March of 2022.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Governor Dan McKee has officially extended the state’s alcohol to-go policy through March 2022.

“I know what it’s like to be in solid in the middle of the table and then an economic crisis hits you between the eyes like a 2 by 4,” McKee said to reporters on Monday, speaking to his personal experience as a business owner.

This to-go policy was originally put into place during the height of the pandemic in March of 2020 to help restaurants stay afloat.

When former Governor Gina Raimondo signed this executive order it was set to last for about 2 weeks, but has stuck around, acting as a saving grace for many small businesses across the state.

The owner of Napolitano’s, Jacob Kamborian, says this extension is crucial in the long path to recovery.

“The more revenue that I can generate, the more employees I can hire, which in turn goes back to the state of Rhode Island,” Kamborian says.

For many restaurants like Napolitano’s, alcohol is a main portion of the overall income. Kamborian says alcohol sales make up nearly 40% of the restaurant’s overall income.

Lawmakers will discuss in March of 2022 whether or not they want to vote to extend this order once again.

Check back for updates.