Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation improving the sale of liquor in New York
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) – Liquor and wine stores in New York can now stay open on Sundays any time between 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. due to a new package of legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul.
Previous state law permitted restaurants and bars to begin serving alcohol at 10 a.m. on Sundays, however liquor stores could not open until noon.
This legislation has been put in place to allow local liquor stores the opportunity to expand their business and sales by increasing hours of operation. The expanded hours may require some businesses to take on additional staff and as a result this will create more job opportunities in local communities.
“Across New York, breweries, distilleries and other alcoholic beverage businesses are creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity,” Governor Hochul said in a recent press release. “I’m proud to sign this legislation that will modernize the laws governing the sales of alcoholic beverages in New York.”
Local businesses in Syracuse have already begun to take advantage of the new legislation by expanding their hours of operation. Pascale’s Liquor Square, a local store in Syracuse, is now opening at 10 a.m. compared to their previous opening time of noon.
“I hope that we see more sales on Sundays,” Noah Curtis, the store supervisor of Pascale’s Liquor Store, said “And be able to make a little more money.”
The new law will also attract business by making the shopping experience more attractive to customers.
“It’s a big convenience for the consumer to not have to run around and rush to squeeze into the limited period that we used to have, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m..” Charles Pascale, owner of Pascale’s Liquor Store said.
The passing of this legislation addresses New York’s historic “blue laws” which have been considered outdated to many lawmakers.
“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,” State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan said in a statement.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to sign more legislation on the matter in the coming months.