Drive-Thru Alcohol Sales Soar During Coronavirus in El Paso

The coronavirus hasn’t stopped El Pasoans from getting their buzz on thanks to drive-thru alcohol vendors.

Since the coronavirus hit, bars along with many businesses had to temporarily close leaving us longing for the days of gathering for happy hour, hanging out after work with friends or co-workers.

Even though we can’t congregate as before that hasn’t stopped El Pasoans from frequenting drive-thru alcohol vendors as people across Texas line up to grab their favorite daiquiris and margaritas to-go.

For the last couple of weeks as I make my way home from work, I’ve been noticing a long line that forms at the Eskimo Hut off Mesa St. as folk’s line up to get their afternoon fix.

According to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission: “If you obtain a wine and beer retailer's permit, you will be able to sell margaritas or daiquiris that are made with wine or beer, and you can sell them for consumption on or off the premises. This is the only legal way anyone can sell margaritas or daiquiris for take-out or 'to go.' The drinks cannot be made with tequila or rum or any distilled spirit. The drinks do not have to be in sealed containers to be taken out of the establishment. However, the container does need to be sealed if the customer takes it into their car. A person cannot possess an open container in a passenger area of a motor vehicle that is located on a public highway, regardless of whether the vehicle is being operated or is stopped or parked.”

Social distancing may be the new normal for now but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a happy hour cocktail in the comfort of your own home. After all, the heatwave in El Paso certainly welcomes and ice-cold anything these days. Cheers!