New York is Bringing Craft Brewing to the Masses

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a new law into effect that will allow homebrewers to rent space to produce their own beer, wine and cider for home consumption.

The bill allows for the creation and operation of custom beer, wine and cider production centers that will rent space and equipment to those looking to produce their own beverages, but only for home consumption.

"The craft beverage industry has taken this state by storm, and more and more New Yorkers want to try their hand at making the next great Empire State beer, wine, or cider," Cuomo said. "This new law builds upon this increased interest, supports local agriculture, and breaks down artificial barriers to allow innovation and creativity to flow."

New York's craft beverage industry is one of the fastest growing in the nation, however many urban and suburban residents often cannot afford or do not have access to the appropriate space or equipment to homebrew drinks. These custom production centers not only provide space and lower the overhead costs of production, but they also provide amateur brewers and wine and cider makers with the local ingredients and expert training needed when first starting out.

The law, which goes into effect on May 13, 2017, allows for a person or business to apply for a license to run a production center. The centers will be regulated by the State Liquor Authority.

A spokesman for the State Liquor Authority says the state expects many of the hundreds of breweries, cideries and wineries to take advantage of this new law and set up brewing centers.

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