New York State is Taking Steps to Modernize Alcohol laws

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed new legislation last Wednesday in an effort to help modernize the state’s post-prohibition era alcohol laws.

Under the new regulations, restaurants and bars can now start selling alcohol at 10:00 am on Sundays, instead of waiting until noon under the previous law. The new law does not only change Sunday alcohol sales rules, but also enacts changes intended to reduce burdens and fees for wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries across the state.

During a signing ceremony Gov. Cuomo stated that “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,” adding that the new law will “liberate again the wineries and breweries,” and will bring “more jobs, more economic development, more tourism, more growth for Upstate New York.”

Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan further commented on the new law, adding that “[s]mall businesses and consumers throughout the state will greatly benefit from this reform of the state’s outdated blue laws that will expand Sunday brunch options and promote the continued success of New York’s service and beverage industries.”

The new law appears to fall in line within a national trend to modernize alcohol regulations formed in a post-prohibition era, when attitudes toward alcohol differed greatly than those of today.

For the official press release from Gov. Cuomo’s office, click here.