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Ceretto: less regulation for New York wine industry

by jmaloni
Fri, Jul 22nd 2011 11:55 pm

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-I-Lewiston, today thanked the governor for signing legislation into law that will greatly reduce regulations placed on wineries by the State Liquor Authority.

Under the new law:

  • Wineries will be able to operate up to five branch stores and be seen as extensions of the winery and not separate entities.
  • State wineries that produce less than 1,500 gallons of wine annually will no longer need to apply for a separate "micro-winery" license.
  • New York wineries that participate in charitable events are no longer limited to five per year.

"In addition to this bill, I was also proud to co-sponsor Assembly bill 7622," Ceretto added. Assembly bill 7622-A would have allowed smaller wineries, those that produce less than 150,000 gallons a year, to sell wine at outdoor and indoor events and gatherings by issuing them a temporary permit through the New York State Liquor Authority for a fee of $26.

"By reducing the red tape, wineries will be able to play an integral role in the agri-tourism and economic revival in New York state," Ceretto said. "Wine is one of the fastest growing sectors of the agricultural industry, and this new law shows that New York recognizes the need to become more business friendly and is working hard to welcome businesses and create jobs."

New York is now the third largest wine producing state in the country, behind California and Washington.

"Niagara Escarpment is one of the five major wine producing regions in the state," Ceretto said. "We are taking a step in the right direction, and I hope we continue to move forward so we can help these wineries stay in business and thrive."

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