NY alcohol laws need overhaul: State panel

A New York government panel has recommended that the state’s control of alcoholic beverages undergo a “complete reorganization,” including allowing the sale of alcohol before noon on Sunday.

On Wednesday, the panel, created by Gov. Cuomo to analyze New York’s 80-year-old alcoholic beverage regulations, released its recommendations to update and simplify state laws concerning the sale of alcohol, NBC4 reported.

“We think this would be a positive change for the industry,” New York Restaurant Association President Melissa Fleischut was quoted by the New York Daily News as she discussed the possibility of alcohol sales being allowed before noon on Sunday.

Besides the brunch crowd, fans of sporting events taking place overseas would benefit from Sunday morning alcohol sales, the Daily News added, since those broadcasts do not necessarily adhere to the needs of an Eastern Standard Time audience.

The government panel also recommended a more streamlined system for bars and restaurants to acquire the proper licenses, which would be reduced from the currently required nine down to three, according to NBC4.

State lawmakers and Gov. Cuomo will now review the panel’s recommendations, NBC4 added.

A Cuomo spokesperson indicated that the governor aimed to produce legislation based on the recommendations before the current legislative session ends in June, according to the Daily News.