Two Democratic state lawmakers want to revive a push for a permanent extension of alcohol-to-go provisions in New York restaurants as the state's pandemic-related emergency rules lapse.

Assemblyman John McDonald and Assemblywoman Pat Fahy, in statements on Thursday, said they wanted the provision extended in law as restaurants decry the end of the take-out drinks, which had served as a key lifeline for them during the pandemic.

"Not only were the alcohol-to-go provisions highly popular, with 78% of New Yorkers in support of a permanent extension, but the ability to serve patrons ‘alcohol-to-go’ served as an important financial lifeline for primarily small, locally-owned restaurants struggling with the disproportionate impact the hospitality sector has continued to experience throughout the pandemic," said Fahy, who had backed a bill extending alcohol-to-go rules in state law.

Restaurant owners do not expect an immediate recovery for the industry even as pandemic regulations are eased and more people dine out. Allowing customers to order drinks with their take-out orders provided a continued boost to businesses as many may remain hesitant to eat at a restaurant.

Meanwhile, restaurant owners felt blindsided by the development this week of the rules being suspended as alcohol-to-go had previously been set to expire on July 6.

"If the Legislature should be called back to Albany for a special session, I will be expecting a one-year extension of alcohol to-go to be on the list of important issues that the Legislature should act on," McDonald said. "The proposal is straightforward in regard to conditions, limits, and time frame and will not negatively impact other industries."