US: Massachusetts restaurants allowed to sell takeout cocktails

Restaurants in Massachusetts can now sell cocktails with takeout food orders, a key measure that will allow many establishments to stay in business during the coronavirus pandemic, officials said.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday signed legislation that allows restaurants to sell mixed drinks in closed containers during the pandemic state of emergency, or until Feb. 28, whichever is later.

The state earlier during the crisis allowed beer and wine sales with takeout orders.

Sen. Diana DiZoglio proposed allowing cocktail sales.

“While many mom and pop establishments have been able to slowly reopen in recent weeks, they still face significant challenges in their efforts to retain employees and pay their bills,” the Methuen Democrat said in a statement. “According to our local, family-owned and operated restaurants, these measures could help them generate thousands of dollars a month and would greatly assist them in paying utility bills and rent.”

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MORE CASES IN SMALL TOWN

There are are now eight confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Gosnold, the smallest town in Massachusetts.

The Gosnold Board of Health reported on the town’s website Monday that residents of Cuttyhunk Island who have tested positive are required to quarantine if they remain on the island and everyone is required to wear masks while in public.

Cuttyhunk is one of several islands that make up the town off the south coast of Massachusetts, which has about 20 year-round residents, but several hundred in the summer.

The town’s first case, a seasonal resident who had been on island for about a week, was reported last Wednesday.

The town secured 25 test kits for people who had come in contact with that woman.

Anyone who has tested positive and is trying to get off the island must notify the ferry company or the water taxi, per federal regulations, the board said.