BEAUMONT, Texas — Texas is buzzing after a hint from Gov. Greg Abbott about the possibility that alcohol to-go options could be here to stay.
Giving customers the option of ordering alcohol to-go is something restaurant owner Al Judice wouldn't mind continuing.
"It's something that's cool. it generates more revenue. As long as people are responsible with it, I think it's an amazing thing," Judice said. "I would love it to continue, it just gives people something more."
Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted Tuesday, saying the service can continue when restaurants reopen. He says it may even be possible for eateries to offer the option permanently.
Port Neches resident David Nelson says it's a good way to support local businesses.
"A lot of people drink at home anyway and a lot of people don't know how to prepare drinks that they can get out," Nelson said. "I think it's something the state can get used to. Hopefully, it's something they'll allow us to continue."
Others worry about drunk driving.
Nederland Police Chief Gary Porter shared the numbers with 12News.
"I'm afraid that once they open them back up, they're going to go celebrate a little too hard and not be responsible," Porter said.
He says DWI arrests have gone down in Mid-County compared to this time in 2019.
He warns all of the pandemic precautions won't matter in the long term, if people don't make smart decisions.
"We went through all this trouble to save lives, shut schools down and businesses. The least we can do is be responsible and not drink," Porter said.
At Judice's, new alcohol sales flowing, thanks in part to all of the crawfish.
"Beer, hurricanes, and margaritas go really well with that. Like I said, we are seeing quite a bit of sales but it's not like a bar or anything like that but we are glad to have the revenue," Judice said.
