Restaurants are hoping that New York state lawmakers pass a provision to make alcohol to-go service permanent.

Gov. Kathy Hochul included the provision in her budget.

Alcohol to-go started to help restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.  However, restaurants are still facing challenging times. The cost of food has gone up 25% since the pandemic, according to the New York State Restaurant Association. That cuts right into the bottom line.

Alcohol is a critical part of a restaurant’s business. It has a higher profit margin than food, and it doesn’t have an expiration date.

Most restaurants have spent their Paycheck Protection Program COVID relief loans, said local restauranteur Dominick Purnomo.

That extra boost from alcohol to-go is critical to keep the lights on and keep staff employed, restaurant owners said.