Governor Hochul Announces New Efforts to Support the Hospitality Industry with a More Efficient State Liquor Authority

Press Release

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced efforts to support the recovery of New York restaurants and bars, including the proposal to permanently legalize to-go drinks, and to ensure a more efficient State Liquor Authority. The Governor highlighted these proposals and actions at an event at Therapy Wine Bar 2.0, a Brooklyn business that was able to open thanks to a law signed by the Governor in December to allow for temporary permits to serve alcohol. Governor Hochul also announced proposals to update the state's liquor laws and to fund operational improvements at the State Liquor Authority to revitalize the state's multi-billion-dollar hospitality industry, one of the industries hit hardest by the pandemic. To ensure SLA's policies are as smart, efficient, and effective as possible, Governor Hochul additionally directed SLA to consult with industry representatives and stakeholders to review existing laws and identify red tape.

"New York's nightlife and hospitality industry are second to none, and our state cannot truly come back from this pandemic until we revitalize this crucial sector of our economy and the hundreds of thousands of jobs it provides," Governor Hochul said. "We owe it to our small businesses to provide them with the resources and regulatory framework they need to grow and thrive, which is why is it's important that we reform and modernize the State Liquor Authority. This is just one of several steps we are taking to help small businesses come back from the pandemic stronger than ever before."

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