Hochul signs legislation allowing for retail sale of beer on Sundays

New laws also expand hours of operation for liquor and wine stores on Sundays; lengthen duration of brewer’s license, authorizes use of pressurized mixing & dispensing system; permit sale or promotional gifting of certain complementary products for wine & spirits; relate to licensing restrictions for on-premises alcohol consumption for manufacturers and wholesalers of alcoholic beverages at specific locations

Gov, Kathy Hochul has signed a package of legislation her team said will improve New York's laws related to alcoholic beverages in an effort to expand options for consumers and support 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,” Hochul said. “I'm proud to sign this legislation that will modernize the laws governing the sales of alcoholic beverages in New York.”

Legislation S.5731/A.6941 allows for the sale of beer, mead, braggot and cider on any day of the week, including Sundays. Legislation S.2854/A.7305 allows liquor and wine stores to expand their Sunday hours so that they may open at 10 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Legislation S.6443/A.6134 extends the length of validity of a brewer’s license from one year to three years. Legislation S.3364A/A.2902 allows for businesses to prepare and keep drinks containing alcohol in pressurized dispensing machines. Legislation S.3567A/A.6050A allows retail stores to sell complementary gift and promotional items related to wine and spirit sales. Legislation S.6993A/A.7688 adds parcels of land to the list of premises that are exempt from the provisions of law that generally restrict manufacturers/wholesalers and retailers from sharing an interest in a liquor license.

As part of the fiscal year 2023 enacted budget, alcohol to-go was established as law, allowing takeout drinks. Last year, Hochul 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.

State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan said, “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. With this legislative package, our licensed businesses will grow economically and face less governmental burden and legislative restraint.”

New York State Sen. Sean Ryan said, “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. I thank Gov. Hochul for signing my bill and the rest of these common-sense measures into law. Removing outdated restrictions like these is good for small business owners, good for consumers, and good for the economy."

Assembly member Harry Bronson said, "Thank you, Gov. Hochul, for signing my bill to expand Sunday hours for liquor stores. Ultimately, this is supporting a fair and equitable economic opportunity, and liquor stores are now on an equal playing field with bars and restaurants. And I couldn't be happier that this change to the law comes during Bills season!"

New York State Brewers’ Association Executive Director Paul Leone said, “The craft beer industry in New York is the second-largest in total number of breweries in the country. This wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the support we get from Gov. Hochul and the entire administration. Extending brewery license renewals from one to three 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.”

Empire State Restaurant & Tavern Association Executive Director Scott Wexler said, "We commend Gov. Hochul for signing these bills into law that modernize and update the state's alcohol beverage control law. These measures will fuel economic development and job growth, especially for the small businesses that comprise the overwhelming majority of businesses who will benefit from these changes.”

New York State Restaurant Association President and CEO Melissa Autilio said, "Technical advancements have improved beverage storage and mixture equipment available to bars and restaurants. This legislation brings New York state's ABC laws in line with modern technology. More bars and restaurants will be able to easily pre-mix drinks in safer apparatuses and better serve customers. I applaud Gov. Hochul and the State Legislature for adopting these new guidelines."

President Ken Sopris said, “The New York Association of Convenience Stores commends Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature for their commitment to updating New York’s alcohol control laws to advance consumer-friendly but responsible policies. The convenience store industry appreciates sensible updates to the law that provide adult consumers with safe access to products. Our stores and our customers thank the governor for her commitment to updating antiquated policies to modernize our state’s alcohol laws.”