In a recent decision, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed a new law that will change how small businesses procure their liquor. The law was signed today, December 12th, and will take effect 90 days later, on March 12th, 2026.
According to Marianne Buttenschon, who is an assemblywoman who co-sponsored the legislation: “Previously, when bars and restaurants ran out of a particular wine and/or liquor, they were offered no flexibility to immediately replenish those bottle options outside of purchasing such products from their wholesaler and waiting sometimes days for delivery, causing patrons to miss-out on their preferred beverages and leading to lost business revenue.”
After signing this bill, restaurants and bars are allowed to purchase a limited amount of liquor and other alcoholic products from off-premises retail licensees, the most common example being liquor stores. This will allow small business owners to purchase some product quickly to restock without having to order a delivery and wait for possibly days for the product to arrive when they run out.
This new law has a limit. According to the law, on-premises retail licensees are only allowed to buy up to six bottles of liquor or other alcoholic products for resale and consumption. This restriction applies to licensed locations that are catering or hosting an event as well.
Before the signing of this law, if a small business owner attempted to purchase alcoholic products to sell at their own business, it would result in a fine of around $1,500 from the State Liquor Authorities. Now, so long as the owner keeps an accurate record and does not go over the limit, they will be able to restock without any fines.
