Governor Signs Legislation Granting Temporary Permits for Craft Beverage Industry

Lupardo-Hinchey effort will help jumpstart new businesses

Albany, NY – New York is making it easier for new craft beverage producers to start their businesses. Governor Kathy Hochul signed A7757/S6256A, a bill introduced by Assemblymember Donna Lupardo & Senator Michelle Hinchey, requiring the State Liquor Authority (SLA) to create a 6-month temporary retail and manufacturing permit, inclusive of all of the craft beverage sectors in the state.

New businesses will now be allowed to produce and sell their products while state regulators process their permanent permit. Final approval can take up to 6 months or more, creating financial hardships for new businesses.The legislation also establishes long-awaited parity among breweries, distilleries, cideries, and wineries. Previously, only wineries were eligible for a temporary permit.

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, said, “Simplyput, if a new craft beverage business has a location, and the equipment to begin operating, they should be able to do so, while awaiting a final permit. Common sense legislation like this makes it easier for these businesses to operate and generate income sooner. It also signals the value we place on this world-class industry, as they are an anchor to NY tourism and an important component of NY agriculture.I look forward to seeing these new businesses grow and to continuing our ongoing support for the craft beverage industry. Thank you toSenator Hinchey for her partnership and to Governor Hochul for her enthusiastic support.”

Senator Michelle Hinchey, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee said, “New York’s booming craft beverage industry is a major source of local pride and an important part of our state’s tourism economy and agricultural heritage. Growing New York’s competitive edge in the craft beverage space means creating a supportive business environment that helps these small entrepreneurs bring their products from farm to glass while creating local jobs. By expanding New York’s temporary permit process to include all craft beverage makers, this legislation will allow more beverage businesses to open their doors faster and start turning a profit sooner, which is especially important during such challenging economic times. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation in partnership with Assemblymember Lupardo and I thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of temporary permits as a means to set our newest craft beverage businesses up for success.”

New York State Brewers Association Executive Director Paul Leone said, “With the current wait times for craft beverage licenses now reaching nearly 6 months, this bill sponsored by Senator Hinchey and Assemblymember Lupardo will allow the nearly 45 craft brewers waiting on those licenses to open immediately when they are issued this temporary permit. That will allow them to sell their product, pay their rent, pay their bills, and add employees as they wait for their license. We thank Senator Hinchey and Assemblymember Lupardo who have been champions of our industry, and we thank Governor Hochul who has always been a great supporter of the craft beverage industry in New York State and we applaud her leadership once more with the signing of this bill.”

New York State Distillers Guild President Brian Facquet said, “New York is a fertile ground for craft beverage startups, which led to a long backlog for new license approval.This commonsense legislation is going to make a big difference for many new businesses.”

New York Cider Association Executive Director Scott Ramsey said, “We are extremely appreciative of the support from Senator Hinchey, Assemblywoman Lupardo, and Governor Hochul with the passage of the "Temporary Permits Bill." The New York Cider industry now has a total economic impact of over $1.7 billion to the New York state economy and this kind of common-sense legislation allows our newest cider producers and growers to enter the market, build their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to local agricultural economies in a much more efficient and meaningful way.”

New York is first in the nation for total number of hard cideries, second for craft distilleries and craft breweries, and fourth for wineries. The craft beverage industry has a $10 billion economic impact and supports over 100,000 jobs.