Antiquated Liquor Laws Loosened in New York

Going to brunch on Sundays in the Hudson Valley can now be a little boozier earlier.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Wednesday that will expand Sunday alcohol sales at restaurants and bars, as well as ease regulatory requirements and broaden retail sales across New York. The new law is a boon for the state's growing craft beverages industry.

“New York’s burgeoning craft beverage industry has served as an economic generator for communities across the state and with this legislation, we are building on that progress,” Cuomo said in the announcement. “By cutting red tape, breaking down artificial barriers and rolling back arcane and burdensome regulations, we are setting the stage for this industry’s continued resurgence and future growth and I am proud to sign it into law.”

The success of New York’s investments in the craft beverage industry can be seen from the Finger Lakes to the Hudson Valley. New York is now home to more than 900 wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries. The number of farm wineries in New York has increased by over 60 percent, from 195 in 2010 to 315 today.

Additionally, the number of microbreweries has grown by 270 percent, from 40 in 2010 to 148, while the number of farm distilleries grew from just 10 in 2010 to 95 today. Two new licenses have been created since 2011: the farm brewery license in 2013 and the farm cidery license in 2014, with New York now home to 129 farm breweries and 22 farm cideries businesses.

Now, the 80-year-old Alcoholic Beverage Control Law will be amended to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages at bars and restaurants statewide at 10 a.m. instead of noon as it currently stands.

Also, the licensees can apply for a permit to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises on Sundays between 8 a.m. and the new 10 a.m. opening hour in areas outside New York City — up to 12 times per year.

The law will also allow wineries to sell wine in growlers for consumption off-premises, modify paperwork requirements for craft manufacturers who want multiple manufacturing licenses at the same location and reduce fees for craft beverage salespeople and small wholesalers.

Cuomo said the agreement overhauls archaic blue laws and helps the industry grow stronger.

The law builds on the progress made by the state over the past five years, including enacting the Craft New York Act, to cut burdensome requirements on producers and ease restrictions regarding the marketing of craft products.

Since 2011, New York has implemented a number of significant reforms and expanded programs to grow the craft beverage industry, including creating new farm-based manufacturing licenses, launching a $60 million statewide promotional campaign and hosting wine, beer and spirits summits across the state.

Photo credit: Image via Shutterstock.