Senator Terry Gipson Announces New Law to Help Grow Local and State Economy

For Immediate Release: September 30, 2013
Media Contact: Jonathan Heppner | 845.463.0840 | heppner@nysenate.gov

SENATOR TERRY GIPSON ANNOUNCES NEW LAW TO HELP GROW LOCAL AND STATE ECONOMY

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY -- Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) today announced that Governor Cuomo has signed into law a bill, cosponsored by Senator Gipson, which allows roadside farm markets to offer local wines from their region.

“Showcasing and selling locally produced wines will help grow the economy and provide additional income for our local farmers and vintners,” Senator Gipson said. “As the ranking member on the Agriculture Committee and a member of the Tourism Committee, this law will not only boost our local agriculture economy, but will also enable anyone who stops at a roadside stand to bring home the best flavors of our region.”

Under recent laws New York’s roadside markets can sell farm-fresh produce, and preserved goods, but may not offer any spirits, including locally produced wines. Wineries were only permitted to sell their products to distributors and offer tastings and wines by the bottle to visitors on their premises. Senate Bill S.267, cosponsored by Senator Terry Gipson, authorizes the State Liquor Authority to affordably license roadside farm markets to sell wines produced within 20 miles of their location by no more than two wineries.

“I commend Governor Cuomo for signing this common sense legislation into law and look forward to working with him to continue growing our local economy,” Senator Gipson concluded.

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