Spirits, cider and mead made by small craft manufacturers in New York can soon be shipped directly to customers across the state and nationally, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Monday.
The governor said she signed into law a bill passed earlier this year that effects the change in 90 days. It’s expected to be a boon for New York’s growing craft beverage industry and follows pandemic-era loosenings of state rules around alcohol sales, which gave some economic relief to various businesses in the state, including spirit and cider makers.
The law will also bring the state’s craft alcohol producers into parity with its wine manufacturers, who have been able to ship their goods directly to consumers for almost two decades, according to Hochul’s office. New York ranks first among U.S. states for its number of craft cideries and second for its number of distilleries, officials said.
“This legislation levels the playing field, allowing these small producers to reach new markets and foster economic growth across the state,” Hochul said in a statement. “With this new law, we are ensuring that New York remains a national leader in craft beverages, continuing to support our local businesses, tourism, and agriculture.”
The law is the latest in a series of boozy bills that state lawmakers have passed in recent years.
In February, Hochul proposed permanently allowing bars and restaurants to sell to-go-cocktails, which became a popular practice during the early period of the pandemic. An extension of that ability through 2030 was ultimately included in the state budget enacted in April.
And last year, the governor signed a different bill into law letting liquor stores open earlier on Sundays. She said it was part of her efforts to modernize New York’s alcohol laws, including nearly century-old “blue laws” that restricted alcohol sales after Prohibition.
The impending direct-to-consumer shipping of craft beverages made in New York builds on temporary privileges their makers were granted during the pandemic, according to Hochul’s office. Officials said they recorded no violations of the rules at that time.
Teresa Casey, executive director of trade group New York State Distillers Guild, said the new law will benefit multiple groups.
“This is a win for our producers, the consumers who will now be able to safely enjoy quality craft spirits from all over the state, the farmers who provide our most important ingredients, and the hospitality and tourism businesses in all our communities,” she said in a statement.