New York would expand access to alcohol by allowing movie theaters to sell alcohol and continuing to let people buy takeout cocktails from bars and restaurants, in a series of measures unveiled Thursday.
The National Assembly on Thursday adopted the measures that are part of the broader state budget deal. The state Senate is expected to follow before it is sent to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk for signature. The deal was reached between Hochul and leaders of the state Senate and Assembly after a series of closed-door talks.
New York movie theaters are only allowed to sell beer and wine, according to the New York State Liquor Authority, but this new legislation would add alcohol to the mix.
“Someone should be able to enjoy a cocktail while watching a movie,” said Sen. James Skoufis, a Democrat who chairs a legislative committee where state alcohol laws are passed.
The measure is accompanied by safeguards aimed at maintaining a family environment in cinemas licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. People would only be allowed to purchase one alcoholic beverage per transaction, and movie theaters would have to stop selling alcohol once credits start rolling in for the last showing of the day.
New Yorkers would also be allowed to buy takeout cocktails from restaurants and bars for the next five years, under another measure part of the state budget. The rule was set to expire next year after the state temporarily allowed the sale of takeout alcoholic beverages during the pandemic.
Skoufis, who supports keeping the measure permanent, said “it provides some short-term certainty for restaurants and businesses that do this.”
Albany lawmakers voted Thursday to push back the state budget deadline again, although they are expected to vote on a package of budget bills later in the week. Hochul announced the framework of a $237 billion plan on Monday budgetapproximately two weeks after the original April 1 deadline.
