By Anna Guizerix

Oxford Eagle

 

The impact of precautionary closures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is widespread among small businesses, but Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Control has taken steps to lessen the blow on liquor stores.

With restaurants shuttering their dining rooms across the state, and many transitioning to drive-thru or curbside pickup only, liquor stores in Mississippi are now able to complete on-premises curbside delivery to customers age 21 and over.

Payment may be processed via phone or electronically, according to the amendment.

The temporary amendment, which went into effect March 16, will go into effect for up to 120 days. Alabama ABC announced a similar measure this week, as a response to the state closing all its state-owned and controlled package stores. Mississippi does not have state-owned package stores, but according to ABC Deputy Chief of Enforcement Pat Daily, the measure was still seen as a necessity to keep privately owned liquor stores afloat.

However, Daily said, residents shouldn’t get their hopes up for a drive-thru daiquiri anytime soon.

“At this time, it is our stance as ABC Enforcement that (curbside mixed drink pickup) is not a good ordinance, from a safety standpoint,” Daily said. “We are going to remain open-minded as the situation develops, and if we can find a logical reason as to why a curbside cocktail would not be a detriment to public safety, that could change.”