BILL NUMBER: S3865

SPONSOR: KENNEDY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the alcoholic beverage control law, in relation to keep-
ing 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 addi-
tional clientele as well as reduce the cost of doing business.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2015-16: S.6292
2017-18: S.667
2019-20: S.1538/A.6611

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.