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Who cares
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Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
History
- Committed to rules
- Amended on third reading 7149b
- Amended on third reading (t) 7149a
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.662
- Referred to commerce, economic development and small business
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the alcoholic beverage control law, in relation to alcohol in certain motion picture theatres
Purpose or general idea of bill
Relates to liquor in certain motion picture theaters.
Summary of specific provisions
Subdivision 4 of section 64-a of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law ("ABC") law as added by chapter 531 of the laws 1964 is amended to provide specific requirements for motion picture theaters applying for liquor licenses including checking ID on all purchases, only selling to ticketed theater patrons, limiting sales to one beverage per transaction, and limiting the time of sales.
Subdivision 6 of section 64-a of the ABC law as amended by chapter 475 of the Laws of 2011 is amended to permit movie theaters to apply for liquor licenses.
Subdivision 8 of section 64-a of ABC law as added by chapter 531 of the laws 1964 is amended to permit movie theater food to satisfy the food requirement of the subdivision.
A new subdivision 9 is added to section 64-a of ABC law to reiterate the authority of a municipality to object to an application, and that such objection may serve as the basis for a decision on a liquor license application.
Justification
The inability for movie theaters to serve beer, wine and liquor is an example of the type of antiquated blue laws that remain on the books in the State of New York. Dozens of other states have permitted the service of beer, wine and liquor in movie theaters in recent years.New York State permits limited alcohol sales, but only in conjunction with full food service in the movie theaters, including tables and wait-staff. The movie theater industry has seen significant challenges and changes in the form of piracy, new streaming services, and the availability of large screen High Definition home entertainment systems that make going to the movie theater less compelling. Movie theaters are therefore looking for ways to make going to the movies more of an experience, including the service of beer and wine. Furthermore, this will provide significant economic benefits in the form of tax dollars and investment in New York State. It is estimated that roughly $2 million in taxes and fees will be collected for the State. Renovations, remodels, and construction will also result as some theaters will build out their facilities to accommodate beer, wine and liquor service. It is estimated that this new construction could be as high as $400 million within the State, providing significant benefits to New York and its citizens.
Prior legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.