It appears alcohol will be available to go again in New York, but it may not be any time soon.
Syracuse.com reports the proposal was part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive budget this week. Some bars and restaurants were raring to go after the announcement, but the State Liquor Authority’s website reminds them not to jump the gun. “Licensees please note, providing liquor and wine drinks to go is not currently permissible under the law.” Violations could result in financial penalties or even suspension or cancellation of a liquor license, according to the SLA. Currently, only beer, cider and mead may be sold with takeout or delivery food orders, not wine, spirits or cocktails.”
Related: Hochul State of the State address includes permanent alcohol to-go proposal
Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association calls the measure “a simple policy change that provides a battered industry with a reliable revenue stream to keep their doors open.” She believes alcohol to go could resume right away if the state budget is passed by the April 1 deadline.
Take out alcohol had been allowed for 15 months under an Executive order from the Cuomo administration. The idea has been opposed by liquor store owners and liquor distributors.
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