Craft Suds For Everyone
On June 14, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver announced an agreement on legislation that will strengthen and help grow New York State’s vibrant craft beer industry—including everyone’s favorite Southampton Publick House. The proposed legislation, which is co-sponsored by Fred Thiele, is designed to support New York’s breweries and wineries, increase demand for locally grown farm products and expand industry-related economic development and tourism. The legislation will protect an important tax benefit for small breweries that produce beer in New York, exempt breweries that produce small batches of beer (regardless of location) from paying an annual State Liquor Authority fee and create a Farm Brewery license that will allow craft brewers to expand their operations through opening restaurants or selling new products. The legislation comes on the heels of a March ruling wherein a New York State excise tax exemption for in-state brewers was deemed unconstitutional. Cheers to the local economy. And to the beers.