Boozy Brunch Bill passes state Senate; liquor stores able to open early on Sundays

The New York state Senate has passed the "Boozy Brunch Bill," which will now allow wine and liquor stores to open even earlier on Sundays.

The bill got unanimous support from the legislation and allows liquor and wine stores to open earlier on Sunday, changing the opening time from noon to 10 a.m.

Sen. Anna Kaplan and Assemblywoman Judy Griffin sponsored the bill to level the playing field for Long Island businesses still reeling from the pandemic.

"Giving businesses an opportunity to recoup and revive, it's not necessarily a bad thing," said Amanda Kelly, of Long Beach.

Boozy Brunch started in 2016 – allowing restaurants to serve alcohol at 10 a.m. and to serve drinks to-go. Prior to this, restaurants had to wait until noon to serve booze on Sundays.

Supporters of the new liquor store law say the current situation is unfair to New Yorkers who want drinks on Sunday morning, and liquor stores who are restricted from selling it.

"I think it's a way to bring back what they lost during the pandemic," said Long Beach resident Sabitino Lamanna.

The bill now goes to the state Assembly for consideration.