After approving the action last month, the State Liquor Authority’s proposed new split case fee rule was published in the June 29th NYS Register, formally initiating a 60-day period for the public to comment on the proposal. As we reported in the last issue and as the Albany Times Union has also reported, the Authority…

The State has established a $250 million fund to help small businesses that made investments to comply with emergency orders and regulations or to increase public safety and they’ve created an online intake tool to help you determine your eligibility for this tax credit program. All small businesses deemed eligible will be provided a program…

The New York City Council and Mayor Eric Adams worked together to pass a local law that suspends the city’s liquor license surcharge for one year. The surcharge on all alcohol beverage licenses adds 25 percent to the cost of a license to help fund New York City Government. This action suspends the surcharge for…

After years of our persistent advocacy, the State Liquor Authority has initiated a formal rulemaking process to prevent liquor wholesalers from charging split case fees in any amount they choose. Currently Empire charges a $30.00 split case fee ($2.60 per bottle – 12 bottle case) and Southern charges a $36.00 split case fee ($3.00 per…

Twenty-two teams teed off at Cronin’s Golf Resort for the annual “Cleo Emmer Open for Hospitality” earlier this month.  Thank you to Anheuser-Busch, the Adirondack Pub & Brewery, Boston Beer Company, Keegan Ales, Mill House Brewing, Newburgh Brewery, and Warsteiner for providing us with an abundant supply of beverages to enjoy over lunch and on…

The State Assembly and Senate completed their work for the year earlier this month. Left undone (thankfully) were a number of measures of concern to the Association including elimination of the tip credit, creation of a lien for employees filing wage and hour claims, and expansion of the bottle bill to include wine and liquor…

The Empire State Restaurant & Tavern Association Safety Group 554 and the New York State Insurance Fund have announced a 40 percent dividend for the policy year September 30, 2020 to September 30, 2021. This marks the 28th consecutive year that Safety Group 554 has paid a dividend to its members. This 40% dividend represents…

We’re finalizing plans for this year’s Annual Golf Outing at Cronin’s Golf Resort on Monday, June 6th. The $110 per golfer registration fee includes greens fees, cart, lunch, refreshments on the course, hors d’oeuvres and dinner (cash bar), awards, and prizes. Reserve your spot in the outing by contacting the state association office at 518.436.8121…

Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature reached agreement on a final state budget that includes allowing restaurants, taverns, bars, and other on premises establishments to sell drinks to go for the next three years. Here are the key provisions: Restaurants currently licensed to sell wine, beer, and spirits may do so with food…

It’s time to make your plans to attend the Association’s Annual Golf Outing. We’re once again hosting the outing at Cronin’s Golf Resort in Warrensburg. This year’s outing will be held on Monday, June 6th. The $110 per golfer registration fee includes greens fees, cart, lunch, refreshments on the course, hors d’oeuvres and dinner (cash…

The State Liquor Authority has published guidance on the sale of wine and liquor to-go by on-premises retail licensees. You can access the guidance here. The SLA has now posted these FAQs to help explain the rules for drinks to go.      

Governor Hochul has signed all of the budget bills into law and since drinks to go was set to take effect immediately, it’s legal once again to sell drinks to go. Some parts of the law are clear: It’s in effect for 3 years. If the legislature does nothing drinks to go will go away…