Establishes the New York craft beverage council within the department of economic development

3 Co-sponsors

• Thomas F. O'Mara
• Patty Ritchie
• David J. Valesky

BILL NUMBER:S4118

Title of bill

An act to amend the economic development law, in relation to establishing the New York craft beverage council

Purpose

To create and implement a New York Beverage Council within the Department of Economic Development to promote New York as a premiere producer of high quality wines, spirits and craft brews and to enhance brand, recognition for New York craft beverages within and outside of NY State for the purpose of increasing sales and production of NY wines, spirits and craft brews and increased tax revenue for the people of New York State.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: Section 181-f of the Economic Development Law creates a NY Craft Beverage Council Program. § 181-g sets the definitions for this section. § 181-h of the Economic Development Law provides general powers and duties of the commissioner. § 181-i creates a NY Craft Beverage Council consisting of a 9-member board of directors, including five members to be appointed by the governor, two members to be appointed by the temporary president of the senate and two members to be appointed by the speaker of the assembly. The board shall consist of representatives from a winery, a distillery, a microbrewery, a liquor store, a beer distributor, a farm distillery, a brew pub, a restaurant licensed to sell New York craft beverages, and a promoter of commercial products. The Chair of the Urban Development Corporation will serve as Chair of the Council, with an executive director to be appointed by the board of directors. The board of directors will elect their successors following the completion of their term. The board will meet four times annually at the call of their chairman or in his absence the vice chairman or on petition of any three members. The New York Craft Beverage Council is charged with creating brand recognition for fine New York wines, spirits and craft brews.

Regional advisory boards will be established for the purposes of collaborating with the New York craft beverage council and regional stakeholders. There will be five regional advisory board members for each of the ten regions of the state.

Section 2 sets the effective date.

Justification

New York State is one of the largest producers of craft beverages in the United States but falls far short of other states in supporting this important industry. The industry today is strong in the tourism areas, but is in need of stronger consumer awareness and demand for the high quality products being produced across the state. In an effort to create an opportunity for the State to generate sales tax revenue along with increasing the number of new jobs within the craft beverage industry, and to promote the sale and enjoyment of New York

craft beverages, this bill would create the New York Craft Beverage Council. The Council would promote New York craft beverages in concert with the tourism industry, wineries, distilleries, breweries, retailers and restaurants within and outside of NY State. A marketing campaign to be undertaken will educate New Yorkers and other consumers as to the quality and benefits of New York's craft beverages. Specific plans will be developed by the Council and progress reported to the State on an annual basis with key performance indicators and metrics to measure the success of the efforts.

Prior legislative history

2013,2014: S.5300/A.7544 Referred to Commerce, Economic Development & Small Business

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.