Bill > S05787

This bill amends the alcoholic beverage control law to prohibit membership warehouse stores (defined as stores primarily selling groceries and other goods that require a membership fee) from selling alcoholic beverages to retailers. Specifically, the bill makes it illegal for these warehouse stores to sell alcohol to any customer presenting a corporate, business, debit, credit, or membership card that identifies them as a retailer. The penalties for violating this law are progressive: a first violation results in a written warning from the liquor authority, a second violation leads to a suspension and civil penalty, and a third violation can result in complete revocation of the store's license to sell alcoholic beverages. The bill also stipulates that accepting a card with sufficient indications of a retailer's association is considered a willful intent to violate the law. The purpose appears to be preventing bulk purchasing of alcohol by retailers through membership warehouse stores, though the specific rationale is not explicitly stated in the bill text. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5787