Bill Authorizing Sale of Beer/Hard Cider Ice Cream Becomes Law

SHERBURNE, 07/16/18 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref-Oneonta) and Assemblyman Bill Magee (D-Nelson) today joined owners of Gilligan’s Ice Cream in Sherburne to celebrate the signing of a new law allowing for the sale of beer and hard cider ice cream.  The legislation (S.8830/A.10827) sponsored by Senator Seward and Assemblyman Magee will aid New York’s craft beer industry, cider producers, and farmers by helping food retailers and restaurants meet the growing demand by consumers for these new and innovative dairy products. 

Senator Seward said, “The dairy and craft beer/cider industries are key contributors to our state’s agriculture economy.  By bringing these entities together, we are able to capitalize on homegrown New York ingredients with the creation of a cool, new product.  I was pleased to work with the owners of Gilligan’s Ice Cream to advance this law, clearing the way for their inventive product that will be popular at fairs, ice cream shops, and farm breweries throughout the state.  This innovative ice cream is creating a real buzz, and I am certain more dairy producers and craft breweries/cideries will tap into this new market.”

Assemblyman Magee said, “Years ago I helped pass legislation to legalize wine ice cream which has been a great success and now, by working together with the creative folks at Gilligan’s Ice Cream,  I am pleased to have the opportunity to help fulfill the market potential for ice cream made with beer and hard cider. Gilligan’s Ice Cream is sourcing local farm breweries, wineries, and craft beer producers for the freshest, top quality New York products to make their ice cream treats for the public to taste and enjoy!”

Gilligan’s Ice Cream in Sherburne collaborated with the Copper Turret Restaurant & Brewhouse, a teaching restaurant at SUNY Morrisville, to create the new frozen treat.  Upon learning a change in state law was needed to sell ice cream made with beer and hard cider, the owners of Gilligan’s Ice Cream turned to Senator Seward and Assemblyman Magee for assistance.

Gilligan’s Ice Cream partner Andrew Lagoe said, “When we discovered the need for a new law to sell our beer ice cream Senator Seward and Assemblyman Magee responded quickly clearing the way for us in time for the prime summer months and upcoming fair season.”

Gilligan’s Ice Cream partner Michael Lagoe said, “This new product continues our long tradition of creating inventive homemade ice cream that tastes great and showcases local ingredients.  Both Senator Seward and Assemblyman Magee had a hand in every scoop we serve.”

Gilligan’s Ice Cream partner Gil Hodges said, “We could not have advanced this unique dessert to the public without the help of Senator Seward, Assemblyman Magee and their staffs.  We also want to acknowledge the support we have had from the local community and our families.”

Chenango County Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers said, “Senator Seward and Assemblyman Magee are always responsive to the needs of our farmers and agricultural businesses and this is another example of their advocacy.  For ag-related businesses to succeed, they must continue to develop new products and capitalize on market trends.  This blending of dairy and craft beer and cider hits all the right notes.”

The new law is similar to a measure approved in 2008 regulating the sale of wine ice cream in New York State.  As with wine ice cream, the legislation sponsored by Senator Seward and Assemblyman Magee limits the percentage of alcohol in beer and hard cider ice cream to no more than 5 percent of alcohol by volume, prohibits its sale to persons under twenty-one years of age, and requires a label that the product contains alcohol.

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