New York's "blue laws" would be repealed under a legislative package proposed Tuesday by state Senator Timothy Kennedy. Under the reform package, the Buffalo Democrat says consumers would be able to buy alcoholic beverages on Sunday mornings. The package would also allow the sale of cocktails on tap.
Lockhouse Distillery manager Cory Muscato says the proposed bill would help grow his businesses like his and save consumers money.
"It gives them fair opportunity to keep up with the times," said Muscato. "With the technology and creativity that's out in the world...they want new things. They want to push the limits. Not allowing bars and restaurants to push the limits is hindering their ability to generate business."
Matthew Pelkey with Black Squirrel Distillery in Buffalo says the state's blue laws bar his company from doing business before noon on Sundays.
"We're not talking about cocktails. This is literally just selling products to people who are using them as gifts or taking them for their own personal consumption at home," Pelkey said.
The legislation would also create an easier tax filing system for craft brewers and distillers, reinstate deposits at the wholesale level on kegs and provide tax breaks for New York farmers who harvest craft beverage ingredients.
