New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D), announced that this month she will be resigning as New York Governor Hopes to make permanent the relaxed to-go alcohol rules her disgraced predecessor Andrew Cuomo adoptedin the early stages of the pandemic. This looser rule allows bars and restaurants to make alcohol beverages available to take, just like the name.
The governor AnnoucedHer proposal was accepted during the State of the State Address, her first ever annual address. It was received mostly well applause. The leaders of the hospitality sector, which was devastated by the Covid cases, and the related restrictions from the government, raised glasses to celebrate the success of the plan.
“Cheers Governor Hochul, for her announcement of support to permanent bringing back drinks to be at bars and restaurants.” Andrew Rigie, New York City Hospitality Alliance chief. “The drinks-to-go policy creates critical revenue streams for bars and restaurants in need and is extremely well received by the public.
Covid-era alcohol regulation has provided some welcome news in otherwise difficult times. I explain this in my July 2020 article ColumnApplauding the legalization of to-go beverages by states. They liked their laws on to-go, too. In fact, there were many.Ommentators can be used Be confidentAlcohol-to-go is here to stay. It’s a good thing. There are dozens of other states in the nation. LooseRules for alcohol-to-go, which includes cocktails. Although some states reversed their gains, the majority have not. This summer, variousOutlets reportedAt least 12 states have made their prohibition on booze permanent.
New York State is not a typical state. There are many ways to help the environment. The Hill ExplainedCuomo allowed the state to go drinks guidelines in response to Hochul’s announcement ExpireHe resigned in June 2013, months after he had been forced to quit. Hochul’s decision would bring back the exemption and make it permanent.
Hochul’s plans are supported by many, but they face serious, if not predictable, opposition. PushbackIn the form of strong liquor store interests in New York State. It’s not surprising. CNBC reports that this is not surprising. reportedLiquor store lobbyists were the most vocal opponents to nationwide prohibition on alcohol sales in May. New York State liquor store interest group sing a familiar tune.
MetroPSA in New York, which represents the lobbying group for liquor-store owners, has released a hyperventilating statement that reads, “This proposal will destroy our liquor stores and create a public healthcare crisis, increase DWI instances and underage sale, and disrupt the on– and off-premises system of distribution, sales and distribution of alcohol.” Reported by Wine SpectatorThis week.
These claims are false, unclear, overblown, and largely untrue. Is there any downside to loosening the rules on booze? I Frequently Asked Questions2020. “I doubt it. Although data suggests that Americans have had an increase in alcohol consumption since the pandemic began, harms associated with alcohol have declined. According to data, drunk driving arrests dropped dramatically during this same period.
Notably, critics claim Hochul’s plan doesn’t go far enough. Steve Barnes Times UnionThe restaurant critic at. ExplainedIn a wonderful column, Hochul notes Hochul’s suggestion seems to exclude tasting areas. These were part of Cuomo’s to-go strategy and which Hochul has noted. AngerOver the fact that they were excluded from the remarks of current governor. Barnes also stated that New York State legislators should consider making the to-go sale of alcohol permanent to enhance the regulatory environment for consumers and producers in New York. Barnes expressed regret at the inability of most state alcohol producers to ship directly to customers in New York, explaining that this is due to the archaic state booze laws.
As Barnes suggests, The leastNew York State legislators should pass a permanent law that permits bars, restaurants and tasting rooms to sell alcohol for sale. Then, they should move on to other important and long-lasting alcohol reforms which give buyers and sellers more choice.