Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in July signed legislation to allow farm distilleries to sell New York state-labelled beer, wine, and cider for consumption on-premises.
“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. “As I’ve said many times, when New Yorkers buy New York-made products, everybody wins.”
Prior to the bill being signed into law, farm distilleries could only sell New York state-labelled spirits for on-premises consumption. Meanwhile, farm breweries, farm cideries and farm wineries all are permitted to sell New York state-labelled beers, wines, spirits and ciders for on-premises consumption.
This new law will amend section 61 of the alcoholic beverage control law to allow farm distilleries to sell New York state-labelled beer, wine and cider for on-premises consumption, effective immediately.
“This bill closes the final gap in the craft beverage industry, allowing farm distilleries to expand their products for on-premises consumption. With this new law, this flourishing industry will be fully equipped with the necessary tools to continue to attract New Yorkers and tourists alike to our state to see for themselves the world-class destinations that New York has to offer,” said state Sen. George Amedore.
Assemblywoman Pat Fahy said farm breweries, wineries and cideries “all have the right to offer tastings of various craft beverages on location – this bill restores fairness for farm distilleries, who previously were excluded from that right.”
John Curtin, co-founder and co-owner, the Albany Distilling Co. and vice president of the New York State Distillers Guild said, “We cannot express how much the signing of this bill means to New York’s craft distilling industry. … We can proudly serve our spirits alongside fellow New York-produced beer, wine, and cider by the glass.”