Amedore Bill to Allow Farm Distilleries to Serve New York State Wine, Beer and Cider by the Glass Advances Through Senate

Legislation (S.2481) sponsored by Senator George Amedore, that would allow farm distilleries to serve New York State-made beer, wine, and cider by the glass was unanimously passed today by the New York State Senate.

Under current law, farm distilleries are able to sell beer, wine and cider by the bottle, but are prohibited from selling them by the glass for consumption on premise. Last year, legislation was signed into law that allowed for farm breweries, cideries, and wineries to serve other New York-produced beer, wine and spirits by the glass. This bill (S.2481) levels the playing field and allows farm distilleries to do the same.

“The craft beverage industry continues to expand and cross-promotion of other New York produced farm beverages helps to encourage growth, and at the same time, introduces customers to even more of the great products our farm-based craft beverage producers have to offer,” said Senator George Amedore.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly for consideration, where it is sponsored by Assemblymember Patricia Fahy.

“Craft beverage production has grown exponentially in our region and this bill encourages cross collaboration between distilleries, wineries, cideries, and breweries. This is common sense legislation that will remedy parity between the farm beverage producers,” said Assemblymember Fahy.

New York State is now home to more than 900 wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries. The number of farm wineries in New York has increased by more than 60 percent, from 195 in 2010 to 316 today. Additionally, the number of microbreweries has grown by 285 percent, from 40 in 2010 to 154, while the number of farm distilleries grew from just 10 in 2010 to 98 today. Farm-based craft beverage producers have grown by 178 percent since 2011, from 205 to 570 manufacturers.