ALBANY – Legislation sponsored by
Senator George Amedore (R, Rotterdam) that allows farm-based distilleries
to sell gift merchandise has been signed into law by the governor.
Under state law, there are four farm-based licenses – cideries,
wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Distilleries were the only ones
that were not allowed to sell gift merchandise on the premises.
Amedore, whose district includes portions of Ulster County, said the new
legislation will provide a financial benefit to those distilleries.
“Hudson Valley is definitely reaping the benefits of the small businesses
that are expanding, farm-based businesses that have the license now for
not only cideries and wineries and breweries, but now also distilleries
and what this new law would allow to happen for the distilleries is to
allow them to sell gift and merchandise other than having a having a tasting
offering,” he said.
The new law takes effect immediately.
