New York State's 80-year-old "blue laws" are finally being updated for the 21st century. As WBFO's Chris Caya reports, the changes will allow bars and restaurants to begin serving alcohol earlier on Sundays.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and top lawmakers announced the deal on Tuesday that rolls back the start of alcohol sales from noon to 10 a.m. on Sundays.
The food and beverage director for Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, Riverworks and Pan American Grill and Brewery, Kevin Glovack says, being able to serve drinks earlier should boost business and potentially create more jobs.
"Quite feasibly. Because you're talking about making the workday longer. Obviously we don't want to put a burden on our employees to work longer shifts necessarily. So, we'll look to probably add a shift or two, I would think, on those Sundays."
Changes to the law will also reduce paperwork and fees for craft brewers, wineries and distillers - which Glovack also welcomes.
"We're actually in the process of our paperwork for opening up our brewery at Buffalo Riverworks and the future plan of a distillery. So this law directly benefits us in the combined paper work aspect of that."
Other changes include authorizing the sale of wine in growlers. Reducing fees for small wholesalers of craft beverages. And allowing liquor stores to sell gift bags to their customers.