Expanded restaurant ownership bill advances

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ALBANY -- A bill that would allow brew pub owners to also open a restaurant today is before the New York State Assembly after passing its first major hurdle.

A bill sponsored by Senator Mark Grisanti, R-North Buffalo, on Tuesday passed the State Senate. It now needs to pass the Assembly before being sent to Governor Andrew Cuomo for approval.

The bill (S7110) would allow an individual to own a license for both manufacturing alcohol and an alcohol retail license.

Grisanti said the present law, which has been in place since the end of the Prohibition era, has restricted owners of an alcohol manufacturer license from also having a retail license, limiting the ability to open the two types of businesses. The restrictions carried over to owners of brew-pubs who manufacture their own alcohol and also serve food, restricting them from also owning a second restaurant.

"This bill would clear the way for more economic activity and job creation," said Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos, who supported the measure. "Small businesses that are looking to expand should be encouraged and allowed to grow."