Partially consumed wine and liquor bottles can be carried out from a wider range of establishments under a new law that was signed this week.
Previously, the law allowed for the removal of unfinished bottles of wine or spirits from a hotel, restaurant, concert hall, beer garden, club, dinner theater or horse racetrack.
The new legislation now includes all “on-premises” licensees such as taprooms, farm wineries, brew pubs, multi-purpose sports facilities and craft distilleries. The state is seeing a growing number of craft distilleries.
The bill requires the capping of the unused contents, which had not been required.
The law does not apply to beer.
Supporters of the measure, including prime sponsor State Rep. Ron Gray, R-Selbyville, say the measure may discourage some patrons from consuming the contents of the container and driving while under the influence, a release from the House Republican Caucus stated.
The bill had bipartisan sponsorship and cleared the General Assembly with only a single dissenting vote.
