Sunday liquor store hours expanded in New York

Oct. 14—Liquor and wine store can open a little earlier and close a little later on Sundays thanks to recent legislation signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The bill was among a package of legislation Hochul said will improve New York's laws related to alcoholic beverages, expanding options for consumers as well as supporting New York's small businesses in the alcoholic beverage sector.

"Across New York, breweries, distilleries and other alcoholic beverage businesses are creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity," the governor said. "I'm proud to sign this legislation that will modernize the laws governing the sales of alcoholic beverages in New York."

The bills signed by Hochul will:

—Allow liquor and wine stores to expand their Sunday hours so that they may open at 10 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.

—Allow for the sale of beer, mead, braggot and cider on any day of the week including Sundays.

—Extends the length of validity of a brewer's license from one year to three years.

—Allow for businesses to prepare and keep drinks containing alcohol in pressurized dispensing machines.

—Allow retail stores to sell complementary gift and promotional items related to wine and spirit sales.

—Add parcels of land to the list of premises which are exempt from the provisions of law which generally restrict manufacturers/wholesalers and retailers from sharing an interest in a liquor license.

In a release, Hochul said the legislation package builds upon her efforts to address outdated laws in New York regarding alcohol and its sales throughout the state.

As part of the FY 2023 Enacted Budget, alcohol to-go was established as law, allowing take out drinks. Last year, Hochul also signed legislation to allow catering establishments to apply for off-premises licenses to serve liquor at event locations, supporting caters and small businesses in the hospitality industry.

"We applaud the continued efforts by our governor and the Legislature to help small businesses succeed and protect public safety by addressing antiquated liquor laws," State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan said. "With this legislative package, our licensed businesses will grow economically and face less governmental burden and legislative restraint."

Added state Sen. Sean Ryan, "As chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, I'm always supportive of reforms that make it easier for businesses to operate in New York. ... Removing outdated restrictions like these is good for small business owners, good for consumers, and good for the economy."

The craft beer industry in New York is the second largest in total number of breweries in the country, pointed out New York State Brewers' Association Executive Director Paul Leone.

"Extending brewery license renewals from 1 to 3 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," he said.