Gov. Cuomo Announces Alcoholic Beverage Control E-Commerce Task Force

Governor Andrew Cuomo launched the Alcoholic Beverage Control E-Commerce Task Force on Wednesday.

The Alcoholic Beverage Control E-Commerce Task Force, is a group created to develop the framework for regulating alcoholic beverage sales through third-party providers. Currently third-party providers are unregulated entities that function as intermediaries between licensed retailers and their customers.

This new segment of the industry will help increase sales, provide for choices for the customer, and provide help to small craft beverage manufacturers that often lack marketing resources.

In a Press Release, Governor Cuomo said:

This administration has worked tirelessly to cut red tape and reduce burdensome regulations in order to solidify New York’s role as a leader in the craft beverage industry. This task force will continue our efforts to modernize laws in order to encourage investment and expand opportunities for small businesses and craft retailers across this state.

The task force will be led by State Liquor Authority Chairman Vincent Bradley, and will hold the inaugural meeting on Feb.29 to start drafting legislation. the task force will make recommendations and changes to legislation on a number of issues regarding third-party providers.

Chairman Bradley said:

This is another example of the Governor’s continuing effort to make the State a better place to do business by helping New York retailers and producers reach new markets and providing clear direction for large and small businesses, including hundreds of family owned craft manufacturers.

New York has seen an increase in farm based businesses manufacturing wine, beer, spirits and cider using ingredients grown in New York, and the number of manufacturers making alcoholic beverages has doubled.