New Legislation Lightens Regulatory Burden on New York State Wineries

New York’s farm wineries now have a little more room to grow, thanks to new legislation signed last Friday by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.  The new legislation reduces the regulatory burdens placed on the state’s 300-plus wineries by the State Liquor Authority.

“Reducing the regulatory burdens on farm wineries will allow them to continue to thrive as a key tourism, agricultural, and economic engine for our state,” said Gov. Cuomo in a press release.

Under the new law, farm wineries will be allowed to operate up to five branch stores without having to file separate licenses for each store.  In addition, the branch stores will not be subject to the off-premise restrictions imposed on liquor stores as they were before.

The law includes provisions that encourage smaller vineyards to enter the industry and gives micro-wineries a regulatory break:  They will no longer need to apply for separate licenses.  Other key provisions of the legislation are detailed in this press release.

“Governor Cuomo recognizes the significant role agriculture plays in the state’s economy,” said New York State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel Aubertine.  “With wine being one of the fastest-growing sectors of that industry, the legislation offers numerous benefits to farm wineries that will have a ripple effect throughout the countryside.”

New York State produces nearly 200 million bottles of wine annually, making it the third-largest wine producer in the nation, behind California, and recently Washington. The sale of New York wine accounts for $420 million a year.

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