LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Restaurants in the City of Las Vegas can now sell alcohol to go. City council unanimously adopted the measure this week, and businesses can begin registering immediately.
Taverna Costera, located in the Arts District, is a restaurant, coffee shop, and rooftop bar.
“A big part of the margins comes from the alcohol; like, there’s not, especially right now, there’s not a whole lot of margin in the food business,” said Jeff Hwang, owner of Taverna Costera.
Like many restaurants in the area, the business has experienced a lull in foot traffic.
“Right now between the parking and the construction outside, we’re completely cut off on the south side of Main Street from the rest of the Arts District,” Hwang said.
On Wednesday, city council voted unanimously to adopt a new measure that would allow restaurants to sell cocktails to-go. Business owners are calling it a win.
“I think it would be somewhere between a moderate and a big deal for us. Right now it’s a very tough environment,” Hwang said.
New rules for to-go alcohol
Under the municipal regulations, any to-go alcoholic beverages must be sold with a meal. The beverage must be in a sealed, tamper-evident container to ensure safety and compliance. Drivers transporting the beverage must be at least 21 and have an alcohol education TAM card.
The newly approved bill allows eligible dining establishments to apply for a special endorsement to package alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption.
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“This is really great news for restaurants. At a time when Las Vegas tourism’s down, restaurants are down, this is a great way for us to make additional revenue,” Kristen Corral said.
Corral owns several Tacotarian locations — one in the city, one in the county, and another in Henderson. She said she hopes this is just the beginning.
“Yeah, so now our one location in the city will be able to legally sell alcohol to go. And so now we’re waiting on Clark County,” Corral said.
“Like, just having stuff to go, like a new avenue to sell, you know, could be a big benefit for us,” Hwang said.
Restaurants that have an alcohol license can apply directly through the city’s website now that the measure has been approved.
Statewide law already in place
It is legal to sell alcohol to go statewide. That measure was passed last year, but before a local business can participate, their local county or city must put an ordinance in place. Clark County has not done so yet.
City officials said the policy shift is designed to provide local restaurants with an additional revenue stream and dining option for customers, while maintaining strict standards for transportable alcohol.
The initiative drew support on social media from several local leaders, including Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley and Councilmembers Brian Knudsen, Francis Allen-Palenske, Shondra Summers-Armstrong and Nancy Brune.
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