'In this business your money maker is your alcohol and your beer:' Bars and restaurant owners ready to serve drinks-to-go

MILWAUKEE (CBS58)--Business owners say they’ve been waiting for drinks-to-go since the beginning of the pandemic. Not only are owners thankful for more money, they’re excited to give customers what they want.

“Here in Wisconsin, a lot of more people drink than they eat when they go out," George Watson said. He is the general manager of the Red Lion Pub. 

“In this business your money maker is your alcohol and your beer," Peter Pitch said. He is the manager of Miss Katie's Diner.

Business owners say money is what they need right now. 

“Any additional revenue at this point is wonderful," Pitch said. 

Governor Evers signed a bipartisan bill on Friday. The bill allows businesses to serve drinks-to-go.

“I am happy he did sign it, we worked long and hard for it," Chris Marsicano said. He is the president of the Tavern League of Wisconsin. 

“It’s going to put a little extra money back in the bank accounts of people who have struggled to earn a paycheck for the last year," Marsicano said. 

Drinks-to-go are pick-up only. They cannot be delivered. Businesses must use tamper evident seals on their drinks when serving to go.

“I think it’s a good idea, it’s sealed," Pitch said. 

The president of the Wisconsin Grocers Association says he’s not totally against the bill. However, he wanted two other alcohol-related bills to be included too. 

“Our overall strategy was to consider all three legislature initiatives, cocktails-to-go, click and collect and home delivery, but in the scheme of things and how legislation is done, cocktails-to-go was a high priority," Brandon Scholz said. 

“Our due diligence is to make sure we are not selling to anyone under 21," Pitch said. 

Pitch says he quite familiar with his customers already. 

“We’re basically a regular clientele, so we know who to feed and who to weed out.”

 Watson says any lead way the state gives will increase sales.

“For them to introduce that, I hope it’s a long-lasting thing to continue and add another stream to the boat.”

The bill officially goes into effect Sunday, March 28.