Bill > A04511

This bill enacts the "New York wine & distilled spirits development act" which introduces several key changes to liquor licensing and promotion in New York State. The legislation gradually increases the number of seven-day liquor licenses an individual can hold, starting from one license in 2026 and eventually allowing up to twelve licenses by 2034. The bill establishes a new method for determining license allocation based on the ratio of active licenses to adult residents in each county, with restrictions on granting additional licenses in counties with low license-to-population ratios. A new special fund called the "New York distilled spirits and wine industry marketing fund" is created, which will receive 25% of revenues from liquor license fees and be used specifically for marketing and promotional campaigns for New York-produced distilled spirits and wine. The fund will require annual reporting by the commissioner of economic development detailing how the money was spent, and the funds must be used primarily for promotional activities that support the New York spirits and wine industry. The bill also makes some technical amendments to the alcoholic beverage control law, such as modifying fee structures and ownership restrictions for retail liquor licensees. The act is set to take effect on the first day of January following its passage into law.