Cuomo forges agreement on bill to support craft-beverage producers

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders this week reached agreement on a bill that they say will cut “burdensome” requirements placed on craft-beverage producers and roll back restrictions on the marketing of craft products like wine, beer, and spirits.

The bill would provide New York beverage manufacturers more opportunities to market their products, Cuomo’s office said in a news release.

Under the legislation, all producers could conduct tastings and sell the alcoholic beverages they manufacture, by the bottle or glass, without a separate license.

The agreed-upon legislation would increase the production cap on small producers.

It would also allow farm distilleries to operate a branch office and expand the number of retail outlets where they can sell and offer samples of their products, Cuomo’s office said.

In addition, the measure would also lower the food requirement that beverage makers must meet when offering tastings and consumption on premises.

In addition, the state bill would permit producers to generate more of their product at lower fees, thereby reducing costs for small manufacturers, Cuomo’s office said.

“New York state recognizes the booming growth of the beverage industry means more jobs and economic activity, and we are proud to continue our support by rolling back burdensome restrictions and enabling producers to sell more, at a lower price,” Cuomo said in the news release.

The bill would take effect 30 days after it becomes law, according to Cuomo’s office.

The current law regulating the activity of beverage manufacturers is “overly restrictive,” Cuomo contends. Laws that increase manufacturers’ licensing fees for any modest increase in alcohol-beverage productions discourage small manufacturers from pursuing growth, in his view.

The legislation followed New York’s second wine, beer, spirits, and cider summit held this past April.

The gathering included the farm-based beverage sector, agricultural producers, and government officials who pursued ways to support the growth of New York’s beverage industry, according to Cuomo’s office.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com