For many local restaurants, New Year’s Eve is a huge night for customers to dine in and celebrate with family and friends.

Although, with the state’s current COVID-19 restrictions, indoor dining is still not permitted until January 4th.

Managers at both Jake’s Pub & Grill in Richland Township and at Rizzo’s Restaurant in Windber say they’re relying on takeout meals to get them through the rest of 2020.

“Everyone always looked forward to the holiday season because that’s when we make the most money, and it’s always a big thing. But this year, it’s completely different,” said Kelsey Kabler, Manager at Jake’s Pub & Grill.

So, this New Year’s Eve, they’re finding new ways to make money by selling takeout alcoholic beverages for people to ring in 2021 from their living rooms.

“I like that people are considering getting takeout and ordering drinks and making it a part of their New year’s Festivities,” said Jenn Asel, Manager at Jake’s Pub & Grill.

Governor Wolf signed the “Cocktails-To-Go” bill in May of this year, helping restaurants and bars stay afloat during periods of COVID-19 restrictions.

(It’s still illegal to have an open container of alcohol while in a vehicle.)

The managers say customers have been pre-ordering these drinks, including the “Covid Ninetini” and “New Year’s Lemonade” for days leading up to New Year’s Eve.

Rizzo’s Restaurant in Windber is also selling these to-go drinks, on a night their dining room is usually at full capacity.

“We just want to remind everybody that they can get those to-go with their orders. We hope people will utilize that and allow us to still be part of their New Year’s Eve celebrations,” said Danette Chippie, Rizzo’s Manager.

Their bartenders are switching pouring drinks in glasses to pouring them into disposable cups so that people can cheers to 2021 being a better year.

“And hopefully enjoy the New Year at their house instead of here this year. We hope to see them back as soon as possible,” Danette said.