Governor Kathy Hochul (File Photo)
NEW YORK – Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed a package of legislation that is expected to improve New York’s liquor laws to expand choices for consumers and support New York’s small businesses in the liquor industry.
According to the press service of the governor’s office, the laws allow the sale of beer, mead, braggot and cider on any day of the week, including Sundays. They also allow liquor and wine shops to open at 10am and close at 10pm on Sundays. The new laws extend the duration of a brewer’s license from one year to three years and allow businesses to make and store alcoholic beverages. in pressurized dispensing machines.
The legislation allows retail stores to sell complementary gifts and promotional products related to wine and spirits sales, while adding land to the list of premises exempt from the law’s provisions limiting the sharing of common interests by manufacturers/wholesalers and retailers. liquor license.
“Breweries, distilleries and other alcohol businesses in New York create jobs and expand economic opportunity,” Hochul said in the release. “I am proud to sign this legislation that will modernize the laws governing the sale of alcoholic beverages in New York.”
According to the release, the legislative package builds on Hochul’s efforts to address New York’s outdated laws regarding alcohol and its sale throughout the state. As part of the Fiscal Year 2023 Enacted Budget, it was introduced as legislation to allow the removal of alcoholic beverages. Last year, Hochul also signed legislation that supports caterers and small businesses in the hospitality industry by allowing them to apply for off-premise licenses to serve liquor at event venues.
“We applaud the continued efforts of our Governor and Legislature to help small businesses succeed and protect public safety by addressing outdated liquor laws,” State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan said in the release. “With this legislative package, our licensed businesses will thrive economically and face fewer government burdens and legislative restrictions.”
“As chairman of the Senate Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee, I always support reforms that make it easier to do business in New York.” state Sen. Sean Ryan said in a statement. “I thank Governor Hochul for signing my bill and the rest of these common sense measures.
“Removing outdated restrictions like this is good for small business owners, good for consumers and good for the economy.”
“New York’s craft beer industry is the second largest in the country by total number of breweries, and it would not be possible without the support we have received from Governor Hochul and the entire administration,” New York State Brewers Association Executive Director Paul Leone said in the release. “Extending brewery license renewals from 1 to 3 years eases another administrative burden on breweries and allows them to continue to focus on what they do best, brewing world-class beer.”
Empire State Restaurant & Bar Association Executive Director Scott Wexler added, “We commend Governor Hochul for signing bills that modernize and update the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.” “These measures will spur economic growth and job growth, particularly for small businesses, which make up the vast majority of businesses that will benefit from these changes.”
“Technical advances have improved the beverage storage and mixing equipment available in bars and restaurants.” New York State Restaurant Association President and CEO Melissa Autilio said in a statement. “This legislation brings New York State’s ABC laws into line with modern technology. More bars and restaurants will be able to easily mix drinks in safer machines and provide better customer service.
“I applaud Governor Hochul and the state legislature for adopting these new guidelines.”
“The New York Convenience Store Association commends Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislature for their commitment to update New York’s liquor control laws to develop consumer-friendly yet responsible policies,” said Ken Sopris, president of the New York Convenience Store Association. “The convenience store industry appreciates legislative updates that ensure safe access to products for mature consumers.
“Our stores and customers thank the Governor for his commitment to update outdated policies to modernize our state’s alcohol laws.”