In response to the continued popularity of to-go cocktails among customers and businesses since the pandemic, Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing for the permanent legalization of alcohol to-go in her upcoming budget proposal.
Initially introduced as a temporary measure during the pandemic, the practice was extended in 2022 but is scheduled to expire next year. This move aims to solidify a trend that has become a staple for many restaurants and bars across New York.
However, the proposal has raised concerns among liquor store operators who worry about the potential for restaurants to function similarly to liquor stores if the law includes wine and other alcoholic beverages for to-go sales, potentially impacting traditional liquor store sales negatively.
The debate underscores the balancing act between supporting hospitality businesses and addressing the concerns of retail alcohol sellers as New York considers making to-go alcohol sales a permanent fixture.
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