The package, which is aimed at reinforcing small businesses in the alcoholic beverage sector, consists of numerous laws. One of the laws noted allows liquor and wine stores to expand their Sunday hours so that they may open at 10 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Prior to this change, liquor and wine stores were only able to begin their Sunday hours of operation at noon, whereas restaurants, bars and taverns could begin their alcoholic beverage sales at 10 a.m.
“Across New York, breweries, distilleries and other alcoholic beverage businesses are creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity,” Hochul said. “I’m proud to sign this legislation that will modernize the laws governing the sales of alcoholic beverages in New York.”
Additional components of the package allow for the sale of beer, mead, braggot and cider on all days of the week, allow for businesses to prepare and keep drinks containing alcohol in pressurized dispensing machines, and allow retail stores to sell complementary gift and promotional items related to wine and spirit sales.
Brewers will also be happy to know that one of the laws signed extends the length of validity of a brewer’s license from one year to three years. The final piece of legislation adds parcels of land to the list of premises that are exempt from the provisions of law which typically restrict manufacturers/wholesalers and retailers from sharing an interest in a liquor license.
“The craft beer industry in New York is the second largest in total number of breweries in the country, this wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the support we get from Governor Hochul and the entire administration,” New York State Brewers’ Association Executive Director Paul Leone said. “Extending brewery license renewals from one to three years eases yet one more administrative burden on breweries, and allows them to continue focusing on the one thing they do best, brewing world class beer.”
The signing of this package adds to the efforts of Hochul in signing legislation regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages. In 2023, alcohol to-go was made legal, permitting take-out drinks within the state. Hochul also signed legislation allowing catering businesses to apply for off-premises licenses to serve liquor at event locations.