Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) and Assemblymember Paula Elaine Kay (D-Rock Hill) joined officials and small business owners this week at Middletown’s Business Improvement District mixer to celebrate newly-signed laws that will allow three of Middletown’s beloved restaurants to expand their offerings behind the bar – and the bottom lines of their businesses and their wait staff’s tips.

Oak & Reed – who hosted Monday’s event – along with Taco Factory and Piccola’s Cucina e Vino, will now be able to serve liquor thanks to an important change in state law. Current Alcohol and Beverage Control laws dictate that liquor cannot be sold within 200 feet of a school or place of worship, but lawmakers can introduce business-specific exemptions. Once these local bills are passed and signed into law, these businesses may apply for on-premise liquor licenses through the State Liquor Authority.

“I was thrilled to carry these bills in the Senate, and it is beyond gratifying to see them signed into law,” said Senator Skoufis. “The passage of this legislation helps these restaurants expand their offerings to support customer demand and is straightforwardly pro-small business. Middletown continues to grow as a thriving economic center, and it is incumbent upon us, as lawmakers, to remove barriers and support small businesses in every way possible. I thank my legislative partner, Assemblywoman Kay, and these business owners for bringing so much to this community.”