NYS small distillers get on-premises sales equality

Distillers whose operations come under the state's "farm distillery" definition got a boost on Tuesday when Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation that allows them to sell New York-produced beer, wine, and cider for consumption on-premises. It goes into effect immediately.

"This measure restores parity for New York's burgeoning craft beverage industry and allows for new revenue streams and exposure for the great brewers, distillers, and wine and cider makers all across this great state," Cuomo said in his signing message. "As I've said many times, when New Yorkers buy New York-made products, everybody wins."

Prior to this bill (S.2481/A.2994) becoming law, farm distilleries were limited to selling only New York State-labelled spirits for on-premises consumption. Meanwhile, farm breweries, farm cideries and farm wineries were permitted to sell New York State-labelled beers, wines, spirits and ciders for on-premises consumption.

John Curtin, co-founder and co-owner, the Albany Distilling Company and vice president of the New York State Distillers Guild, said, "We cannot express how much the signage of this bill means to New York's craft distilling industry. For us at Albany Distilling, we've made significant investments in anticipation of the passage of this bill, including a new tasting room and production facility. We can proudly serve our spirits alongside fellow New York-produced beer, wine, and cider by the glass. A tremendous thanks to Governor Cuomo for his leadership in making the Empire State the capital of nation's craft beverage industry."

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