UTICA, N.Y. — New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed a new law to modernize liquor sales, benefiting small businesses.
The legislation was co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon.
It allows bars and restaurants to purchase limited amounts of wine and liquor from off-premises retail licensees, like liquor stores, to quickly replenish inventory without waiting for wholesaler deliveries.
“Previously, when bars and restaurants ran out of a particular wine and/or liquor, they were offered no flexibility to immediately replenish those bottle options outside of purchasing such products from their wholesaler and waiting sometimes days for delivery, causing patrons to miss-out on their preferred beverages and leading to lost business revenue,” according to Buttenschon.
The law permits on-premises retail licensees to buy up to six bottles of wine or liquor per week for resale and consumption.
It also applies to licensed locations hosting or catering private events.
Both purchasing and retail parties must retain receipts for State liquor authority requests.
The new law will take effect 90 days after its enactment.