Gov. Hochul announces proposal to permanently legalize to go drinks

Gov. Kathy Hochul is proposing that New York permanently legalize alcohol to go.

Gov. Hochul made that announcement during her State of the State address in January, but on Wednesday she took another step forward and is asking the state Legislature to adopt the plan and change the state law.

The to-go drink legislation aimed to give restaurants and bars in New York a boost in revenue during the pandemic. The New York State Liquor Authority is working out specifics of the measure that would allow takeout and delivery of alcohol at bars and restaurants.

A survey from the New York State Restaurant Association found nearly 80% of New York residents want to keep the rule.

"Most small businesses that are affected by this are gonna be feeling the effects for years to come, it's not gonna be a quick fix," says co-owner of Rust and Gold, Frank Antontti. "So it's nice to have the government on our side in terms of having programs in place that will help with that recovery."

However, not everyone agrees with this proposal.

Some liquor store owners are concerned it could negatively impact their sales.

"If the restaurants can sell take out alcohol, it's less business for the retailer," says wine consultant Michael Douglass. "All we have to sell is wine and liquor, that's all we're allowed to sell."

The State Liquor Authority also ruled in January that movie theaters are allowed to serve alcohol.

Hochul says the next step will be getting input on what works best from people in the industry and the general public.