BILL NUMBER:  S6292

 TITLE OF BILL :

An act to amend the alcoholic beverage control law, in relation to
keeping drinks containing alcoholic beverages in kegs

 PURPOSE :

This bill allows retail licensees for on-premises consumption to
prepare and keep prepared alcoholic beverages in kegs or other
containers.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section 1: amends paragraph (b) of subdivision 2 of section 106 of the
alcoholic beverage control law, as added by chapter 512 of the laws of
2000, by allowing retail licensees of on-premise consumption to
prepare and keep alcoholic beverages in kegs and in containers with a
capacity of more than a gallon, and grants the SLA authority to
promulgate rules as needed.

Section 2: sets the effective date.

 JUSTIFICATION :

              

Current law limits the consumption of alcohol in an on-premise
facility to drinks served in their original bottles, or in an
individually prepared drink. However, in 1989, an exemption was
granted to allow bars to serve drinks from continuously mixing
machines, such as those for wine slushies or frozen margaritas. This
legislation would expand that exemption to allow bars to serve
premixed cocktails or "cocktails on tap" from kegs or similar
containers. The State Liquor Authority will continue to have the
ability to promulgate rules concerning the size and type of containers
used, and current prohibitions on adulterations and/or tampering with
liquor in its original bottle will be preserved.

By enacting this legislation, bars, restaurants and other on-premise
facilities could prepare alcoholic beverages in advance, saving the
time needed to mix or prepare each individual drink. Prepared
cocktails could then be served on the same day, or be allowed to
settle over time to provide for aged drinks. Providing faster service
and the novelty of having premade, often complex and unique cocktails,
would attract additional clientele as well as reduce the cost of doing
business.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

New Bill.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

To be determined.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.