Alcohol vendors make big changes to stay in business during coronavirus crisis

All non-essential businesses are closed or working from home, but liquor stores are deemed essential. So how are these stores, as well as, bars and restaurants making changes to keep serving their communities?

News 12 Staff

Mar 27, 2020, 1:18 PM

Updated 1,484 days ago

Share:

By Alexa Santos, Digital Producer
Restaurants, bars, and many other small businesses have been dealing with major changes to their standard operating procedures amid the coronavirus pandemic. 
On March 16, the governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut announced the closure of all restaurants and bars, except for takeout and delivery orders, in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. 
As of March 22, all "non-essential" businesses in the tri-state needed to eliminate their in-person workforces. But in all three states, liquor stores have been deemed "essential businesses" that can remain open.
Also, temporary changes in liquor laws gave restaurants and bars the ability to sell alcohol as part of their takeout and delivery menus. 
That means bars, breweries, distilleries, wineries, and liquor stores are working out new ways to do some business during this difficult time. 
Rooftop Reds, a rooftop vineyard in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, has started delivering for the first time since being in business. 
Rooftop Reds is a seasonal venue, that opened for the spring and summer on March 1. Shortly thereafter, they had to close the space due to the coronavirus pandemic. Managing partner Devin Shomaker says 75% of the staff was laid off. 
Getting creative, they decided to start delivering their craft wines as a way to keep the business alive. 
Shomaker says it was a huge relief that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo deemed alcohol as an essential business, allowing for businesses like Rooftop Reds to use deliveries as a lifeline. 
"It's been absolutely vital that we are able to continue doing this outreach delivery service, and have some revenue coming in," Shomaker says. 
Rooftop Reds is delivering to all of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Long Island City. Ideally, Shomaker hopes their home delivery service is popular enough to potentially allow him to hire some of his staff back on to assist. 
Shomaker decided to partner with one of Rooftop Reds' neighbors in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Transmitter Brewing, to bring more variety to their delivery services. 
Transmitter Brewing is a local craft brewery. Cofounder Rob Kolb says it's vitally important that people support their local spots through takeout and delivery options during this time. "If we go out of business, that affects this neighborhood," Kolb said. 
Here is a list of several venues that are open for alcohol pickup and/or delivery in the tri-state area: 
Note: Each day, things are changing, and more businesses may choose to close their doors or alter their delivery & takeout options. You can check with locations directly, if you want to be sure. 
Bronx: 
Manhattan:
Brooklyn: 
Brooklyn Kura (at participating wine & liquor stores) 
Westchester/Hudson Valley:
Long Island: 
Connecticut: 
New Jersey: 
If you are a business that is still open, click here and let us know.
 


More from News 12
2:05
Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

1:35
Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

0:37
Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

1:42
FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

0:22
East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

1:44
Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

2:28
Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

0:35
Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

1:46
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

0:51
Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:46
Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

2:10
News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road