Small Government Success Story
Here’s some good news for folks who believe government should get out of the way of business. Nevada just made cocktails-to-go permanent. Governor Joe Lombardo signed Assembly Bill 375 on June 9, letting restaurants and bars sell mixed drinks for pickup and delivery.
This might sound like a small thing. But it’s actually a perfect example of how less government interference helps everyone.
What This Means for Your Neighborhood
Think about your local restaurant or bar. During COVID, many places were struggling to stay open. The government told them they couldn’t have customers inside. So smart business owners started selling cocktails to-go. It was like ordering pizza, but with a margarita on the side.
“During the pandemic, cocktails to-go were a great additional source of revenue for local bars and restaurants, while adding convenience for consumers,” said Adam Smith with the U.S. Distilled Spirits Council.
This simple change helped save jobs. It let people enjoy a drink at home without breaking the bank at a liquor store. And it didn’t hurt anyone.
Government Stepping Back
The best part? Local control stays strong. The new law doesn’t force cocktails-to-go on anyone. County commissioners and city councils get to decide if they want it in their area. That’s how it should work. People closest to home make the decisions.
Republican Assemblymember Bert Gurr helped push this through. He started with a simple idea. “I started it as a single bill, one sentence,” Gurr said. Sometimes the best laws are the shortest ones.
The Bigger Picture
Nevada isn’t alone here. Since COVID started, 31 states plus Washington D.C. have made cocktails-to-go permanent. States like Texas, Florida, and Arizona figured this out. Even blue states like Massachusetts and Vermont joined in.
That’s 31 states that decided businesses know better than bureaucrats. They chose freedom over red tape.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
This issue shows what happens when government gets out of the way. Businesses adapt. They find new ways to serve customers. They create jobs. And consumers get more choices.
It’s the free market working exactly like it should. No massive government program. No new spending. Just fewer rules getting in the way of honest work.
The law also makes Picon Punch Nevada’s official state drink. That’s a nice touch of local pride without costing taxpayers a dime.
What Critics Say
Some people worry about drunk driving or underage drinking. These are fair concerns. But existing laws already cover these problems. Police can still arrest drunk drivers. Stores still check IDs.
The real question is simple. Should adults be able to buy a cocktail with their dinner and take it home? Most Americans think yes.
Looking Ahead
More states will likely follow Nevada’s lead. The trend is clear. Americans want more freedom, not more rules. Some temporary programs in other states will expire soon. California’s law ends in 2026. New York’s ends in 2030. Watch to see if they make these permanent too.
Most importantly, remember this example when bigger issues come up. Sometimes the best thing government can do is simply get out of the way.
“We applaud the legislature and Gov. Lombardo for supporting Nevada’s businesses and consumers by bringing this popular measure back,” Smith said.
That’s what good government looks like. Less interference. More freedom. Better results for everyone.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
