Offer these features for public health and wellness

With the COVID-19 pandemic business restrictions beginning to relax for beer and wine retailers, there are a number of special public health-related features that need to be kept in place even after the pandemic ends.

And, there are more that should be added. This set of features should apply to breweries, wineries, bars, restaurants, and off-premise retailers without them needing any special endorsements or add-on licenses. Hopefully, the governor and the WV Alcohol Beverage Control Administration will continue to allow and enhance our small businesses’ ability to sell beer and wine while protecting the public health.

Curbside Delivery

Breweries, wineries, bars and restaurants should be allowed to continue offering curbside delivery/pickup of beer and wine. With phone or online ordering and payment. This low/no contact method is good for public health and also a great convenience to consumers.

Home Delivery

Breweries, wineries, bars, and restaurants should be allowed to continue home delivery of beer and wine. With phone or online ordering and payment. This low/no contact method is good for public health and is also a great convenience to consumers, especially important to senior citizens and those who may be higher-risk or immune-compromised but still want a beer. To make if more widely available, delivery should be able to be done by third party delivery services such as Grub Hub and Uber Eats.

Walk-up Window

Breweries, wineries, bars, and restaurants should be allowed and encouraged to operate walk-up windows where customers can purchase food and beverage to-go without having to enter the store. This low-contact set up could be a window along a public sidewalk or an ordering stand in the restaurant’s sidewalk patio seating area. The outdoor area would be marked showing proper social distancing positions for any line that might form.

Shipping

Breweries, wineries, and off-premise retailers should be allowed and encouraged to offer shipping of beer and wine within the state. With phone or online ordering and payment combined with an age-verification delivery service such as that offered by Fedex. This low/no contact method is good for public health and is also a great convenience to consumers, especially important to senior citizens and those who may be higher-risk or immune-compromised but still want a six-pack or bottle of wine.