Gov. Hochul signs bill allowing direct-to-consumer shipping for spirits, mead, cider

ALBANY, NY (WIVT/WBGH) — The governor recently signed new legislation that allows small craft manufacturers of spirits, cider, and mead to ship their product directly to consumers.

Producers in the craft beverage industry can now ship their product to consumers both within New York and across state lines. New York is home to the largest number of craft cideries in the country and ranks second in the U-S for its number of distilleries.

During COVID, spirit and cider manufacturers were granted temporary shipping privileges to help survive during the economic downturn. This new legislation makes the shipping privileges permanent.

• Local veterans to be honored with appreciation picnic
• Lupardo partners with BU on tick awareness webinar
• Prize winning Powerball ticket sold at West Corners Weis Markets
• Wegmans & Sheetz rank top 10 in the nation on the ‘PEOPLE Companies That Care’ list
• Sunshine is back today as high pressure settles in

The governor says there will be safeguards to prevent underage access to alcohol and ensure proper tax collection by mirroring the delivery practices of the already established Direct-To-Consumer wine shipping laws.

The bill was sponsored by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo who is the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture.

The new law will take affect in 90 days.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.