S2853A

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Skoufis to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, clearing a 55-0 vote on the chamber floor. The bill allows restaurants and bars to purchase small quantities of bottles from liquor stores when wholesalers are closed, addressing what supporters characterized as an antiquated regulation that hampers the hospitality industry. Sen. Borrello, who works in the hospitality business, explained his support for the measure, noting it would enable establishments to meet customer demands on weekend evenings when wholesale suppliers are unavailable. "This is a step in the right direction," Borrello said, while acknowledging that New York State has "a long way to go" in modernizing its alcohol regulations. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.