State Legislature passes bill that allows restaurants to purchase wine from liquor stores

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) -- The State Legislature passed a new bill that would allow restaurants and bars around New York to purchase up to 12 bottles of wine or liquor per week from liquor stores.

Owner at Nips Park Ave Saloon Michael Scott said this would be beneficial to small businesses around the state.

“For us to be able to go down the street legally and purchase things that, A, they’re out of stock on,” Scott said. “Or, B, we run out of in the middle of a delivery week, it’s a big help for us.”

Scott said the bill, if signed by Governor Hochul, could expand options for restaurants to increase their inventory when a product goes out of stock. He said it will also save money for bars and liquor stores.

“If I was able to go down the street right now, and was out of, say, Absolut,” Scott said. “Down the street, Absolut sells for anywhere between $21.99 to $24.99. For me to buy one bottle out of a combo situation, it’s upward of $30 my bottle cost.”

Scott believes this legislation, which was approved 141-0 in the Assembly and 58-1 in the Senate, would also improve the dining experience for customers.

“It’s a win for everybody that way,” Scott said. “The companies are still getting their exposure from items and we’re able to sell things at a regular basis that maybe are limited.”

If Governor Hochul moves forward with this bill, it will go into effect 90 days after it is officially signed into law.