Why Covid rules on liquor, pot and telemedicine might last past the pandemic

From margaritas-to-go to marijuana deliveries to virtual doctor visits, the pandemic prompted states to ease rules to make life at home more bearable. But the looming end of emergency orders has teed up a lobbying frenzy in state capitals to make these Covid-era conveniences permanent fixtures in American life.

The rapid decline in new coronavirus cases as more Americans get vaccinated is spurring governors to consider winding down emergency declarations that made these perks possible. The adjournment of most state legislatures in the coming weeks is also fueling a sense of urgency to codify pandemic rules before lawmakers skip town for the year.

“It is becoming a race against the clock,” said Mike Whatley, vice president for state and local affairs for the National Restaurant Association, which is supporting 17 bills that allow restaurants to serve alcohol-to-go across five states. “What happened in the last 15 months would have taken years.”

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