Direct-to-consumer shipping of spirits to resume this fall

Consumers of spirits, hard cider and mead in New York State will be able to have the products shipped directly to their homes starting in November, making a temporary pandemic-era allowance considered a lifeline for the alcohol industry permanent. 

The measure was signed over the weekend by Gov. Kathy Hochul and will become effective after 90 days. It expands the variety of alcoholic beverages that may be shipped to customers within the state and between New York manufacturers and buyers in the eight states and the District of Columbia with reciprocal shipping agreements.

In addition, New York residents can receive shipments of alcohol from makers in the nine jurisdictions – Alaska, Arizona, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington, D.C. Previously, consumers could only order beer and wine for delivery. Spirits, cider and mead could be shipped directly from March 2020 to June 2021 under emergency pandemic provisions that lapsed.

“New York’s craft manufacturers create distinctive, world-class products that deserve a broader audience,” Hochul said in a statement that accompanied the announcement of the new law. “This legislation levels the playing field, allowing these small producers to reach new markets and foster economic growth across the state…We are ensuring that New York remains a national leader in craft beverages, continuing to support our local businesses, tourism and agriculture.”

The legislation further builds upon efforts to modernize New York’s Alcoholic Beverage Control laws, including creating temporary permits to get new manufacturers open quickly, adding spirits (in addition to beer and wine) at one-day special events, expanding outdoor dining, and extending drinks-to-go.

Restrictions on manufacturers stipulate they may ship no more than 36 cases of products that they make, at a maximum of 9 liters per case, per customer per year, for private consumption only – not resale. A special shipping license first must be approved by the State Liquor Authority. Also, only distilleries producing less than 75,000 gallons per year may engage in direct-to-consumer shipping.

“This legislation provides our distilleries and cideries with tremendous opportunity for growth that will have a ripple effect on our economy,” said New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “With the most cideries and the second-most distilleries in the nation, New York State is committed to continuing to support these small businesses, who ultimately help provide a boost to our farmers as well.”

For information, go to https://sla.ny.gov/craft-beverages.