— POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) announced that Governor Cuomo has signed into law a bill, cosponsored by Senator Gipson, which allows roadside farm markets to offer local wines from their region.
“Showcasing and selling locally-produced wines will help grow the economy and provide additional income for our local farmers and vintners,” Senator Gipson said. “As the ranking member on the Agriculture Committee and a member of the Tourism Committee, I know this law will not only boost our local agriculture economy, but will also enable anyone who stops at a roadside stand to bring home the best flavors of our region.”
Under recent laws, New York’s roadside markets could sell farm-fresh produce and preserved goods but could not offer any spirits, including locally-produced wines. Wineries were only permitted to sell their products to distributors and offer tastings and wines by the bottle to visitors on their premises. Senate Bill S.267, cosponsored by Senator Terry Gipson, authorizes the State Liquor Authority to affordably license roadside farm markets to sell wines produced within 20 miles of their location by no more than two wineries.
“I commend Governor Cuomo for signing this common sense legislation into law and look forward to working with him to continue growing our local economy,” Senator Gipson concluded.
##
VISIT Senator Gipson’s official Senate web page
LIKE Senator Gipson on Facebook
FOLLOW Senator Gipson on Twitter
LINK to Senator Gipson on LinkedIn