Larkin Bill Allowing Wine Tastings To Become Law

Legislation sponsored by Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) to allow small farm wineries across New York State to hold up to five wine tasting events a year in conjunction with local charities will become law on April 24, 2005.

"The wine industry is one of our state's most premier businesses," said Senator Larkin. "This new law will help to increase the visibility and sale of New York wines. Local producers across the state will now be able to reach out to the public and better promote their products to a larger and more diverse group of consumers. At the same time, it will help financially strapped churches and other local charities to raise funds for the many community services they provide."

Until now, the law required wineries to obtain a separate catering license to be used for off-site wine tasting events. Those licenses cost producers $40 for each event. The new law allows wineries to participate in five events for only $40. In addition, it saves wineries any further licensing application or paperwork costs.