S409A

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Skoufis that amends the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to allow restaurant and bar owners to purchase up to six bottles of alcohol from local liquor stores to supplement inventory during peak business periods. The bill passed on a roll call vote, 59-0. Sen. Borrello, speaking in support, characterized the measure as pro-small business, arguing it addresses restrictions in New York's wholesale-retail laws that currently prevent such purchases. He criticized opposition from large corporations and the wholesale industry, which he said benefit from existing monopolistic regulations. Borrello argued that preventing such purchases costs the state sales tax revenue and unfairly constrains small business owners. The legislation takes effect 90 days after becoming law.