Local restaurants may soon be serving alcohol for takeout and delivery during COVID-19 outbreak

WASILLA — Now that the state has approved new rules allowing restaurants to sell alcohol for curbside and delivery, numerous establishments across the Valley are gearing up to start selling their beers and wines as another potential source of revenue during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The new rules went into effect earlier this week but the decision to sell alcohol for curbside and delivery is still at the discretion of each restaurant owner.

Palmer City Alehouse owner Steve Dike said that he’s still waiting on the final verdict as far as specifications and limitations go. He said that he wants to see something written up that he can enforce.

When everything is settled, Dike said that he only plans to offer alcohol via curbside. He said the amount of hassle and stress verifying delivery customers over 21 wouldn’t be worth it.

“We don’t need that. We're not gonna make a lot of money selling booze,” Dike said. “We’re just super cautious about stuff like that.”

When and if the Alehouse starts selling beer and wine through curbside service, Dike said they’ll be checking the ID’s of every passenger in every vehicle.

Dike said the Alehouse never offered delivery prior to the outbreak and never planned to. He said after the dust settles, it won’t be an option anymore.

He said it’s disheartening working with minimal staff and an empty dining room

“It just really sucks,” Dike said. “The restaurant industry is one of the hardest-hit sectors in the economy. Our employees can’t work from home right? It’s pretty devastating.”

Dike noted that 90 percent of their order since this all started has been pickup orders. He said there are still people who request delivery so as long as they live within five miles of the Alehouse, they can take it there. They’re also working with a full menu at this time.

“It works for some people,” Dike said.

Locals Pub and Pizzeria general manager Sam Smith said they plan to sell beer and wine from a limited menu for both curbside and delivery. He said they’re still working out all the final details as they’re still waiting for the final word from the ABC board.

Smith said they plan to sell bottled wines beers that are in stock and aim to offer as many local and Alaskan made products as possible.

Smith said that he isn’t sure how much the addition of beer and wine sales will help their bottom line during this crisis, but in the end, it’s at least an additional source of revenue.

“I don't see how it can hurt," Smith said. “This is is uncharted territory… I’ve never run a business before where we deliver alcohol.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com