BUFFALO, N.Y. — A new law proposed in Albany could soon allow cideries and distilleries in New York state to ship products directly to consumers.
Supporters say it would allow small businesses to compete with their rivals, such as wineries and craft brewers.
The bill would also allow makers to ship products to tourists, who aren't able to carry the products home.
"We certainly have a lot of tourism in our area, particularly in our lakes and waterways, our wine trails, beer trails, and folks come specifically because they are interested in those products to begin with," State Senator George Borrello said. "For you to go right now to a wine trail, you can visit multiple wineries, and if you don't want to take anything home with you, the winery can ship it to you. The same thing would apply to tourists that are now doing a brewery or distillery trail."
The bill has already passed the State Senate and Assembly, and is now awaiting the governor's signature.