NY Liquor Regulators Ease Rules, Merchants Adapt To Coronavirus

LONG ISLAND, NY — Even with a state government mandate that restaurants and bars indefinitely halt in-store service, consumers can still pop open their favorite draft beer and wine bottles. The state Liquor Authority relaxed its restrictions so businesses can offer curbside pick-up and delivery of alcoholic beverages after on-premises service was banned Monday night in an attempt to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, which has infected thousands of New Yorkers and led to 22 deaths.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered alcohol regulators to revise guidelines to allow off-premises privileges for businesses with a liquor license until the pandemic subsides. Any retailer that violates the ban could face up to $10,000 in fines, while manufacturers could see a $100,000 fine. Both types could also have their liquor license canceled or revoked.

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Alcohol sold for off-premises drinking can be sold in any closed or sealed container of any size, as long as sales are consistent with municipal open container ordinances, according to the liquor authority. Businesses can also deliver booze to customers' homes.

Curbside pick-up orders do not have to include food. However, home deliveries must include a food purchase, even if it's something as simple as a bag of potato chips or pretzels. There are no restrictions on the quantity of alcohol sold either, as long as it's in a sealed container.

The temporary shutdown for on-premises business also applies to outdoor areas owned by the merchant, such as a patio or beer garden. Food and drinks sold to-go must be carried away, the SLA said.

The full State Liquor Authority guidelines and Q&A with more details can be found here.

Lithology Brewing Company, a craft beer brewer in Farmingdale, introduced curbside pick-up of crowlers, or large to-go cans of beer, as well as New York wine. The brewery is also delivering straight to people's homes within a five-mile radius of its Main Street location. Orders can be placed on the Lithology website. While merchants are adapting, they're still facing a time of uncertainty.

"It's hugely nerve-racking," Manny Coelho, co-owner of Lithology, previously told Patch. "You're thinking about everything. Not only the safety of your employees, but the safety of yourself, your families; the financial burden this is going to take on everybody and the whole small business community. This is a huge shame."

The coronavirus has strongly impacted the staffs of small businesses. While workers are needed to fulfill curbside pick-up and delivery orders, many bartenders and waitstaff were told their employers don't have work for them until the virus subsides.

Joe Fortuna, who owns The Nutty Irishman and 317 Main Street, a bar and restaurant respectively in Farmingdale, told Patch he had to keep the majority of his 50 employees at home.

"We kinda had to tell them we don't have work for them," he said. "It sucks, basically. It's a shame. Hopefully this is not going to go on too long. We've just gotta ride it out."

A special menu for curbside pickup and free delivery within a 5-mile radius was jointly set up between Fortuna's two businesses. Cocktails and growlers of beer are being served to-go thanks to the authority's eased guidelines.

Not all businesses are running deliveries, however. Po'Boy Brewery, a craft beer spot at 200 Wilson St. Unit E3, Port Jefferson Station, is relying on takeout. The brewery is offering a "Keep the Lights On" special: $15 growlers and four-packs of select beer and cider, as well as $20 for the specialty/imperial brews also available on tap. Any orders over $50 are 10 percent off. Prepackaged four-packs are ready for quick pickup, but the store asks to call ahead for larger orders at 631-828-1131.

"As you know, forcing small businesses like us to close is detrimental to our survival," the brewery wrote in a Facebook statement. "Rent, bills and so much more still needs to be paid. This is when we ALL need to come together and support our local businesses. We will all rely heavily on take-out orders at this difficult time just to keep our doors open for however long this may last. We will continue to brew and satisfy your taste buds. We need your love and support though to keep this up folks! Please stay safe and healthy and keep us all in your prayers! We WILL GET THROUGH THIS! Cheers!"

Some businesses opted to close until the coronavirus is under control and the state allows them to run at full power. Alibi Speakeasy & Lounge, a Prohibition-themed joint in Farmingdale, is one of them. While the business serves a wide array of cocktails and alcoholic beverages in addition to appetizers, co-owners Pete Dragone and Chris Molano are waiting it out. However, their Bethpage bar, One Eye Jacks, is offering curbside to-go and delivery of grub and drinks.

Even with the revamped guidelines, the coronavirus-related closures could still be too much for some businesses to overcome. Dorielle Bennett, owner of JDC's Tailgaters Sports Bar in Holbrook, said her pub might not survive if the state mandate lasts more than a few weeks. JDC's does not serve food, Bennett said.

Croxley's Ale House, a pub with locations in Farmingdale, Rockville Centre, Franklin Square and Brooklyn, is offering free delivery to homes within their respective zip codes. Delivery and pick-up services are available every day from noon to 9 p.m., and the pub asks people to make their orders over the phone. Growlers are also being filled by Croxley's locations, according to one of the spot's Instagram pages.

Residents should check their favorite restaurant, bar or brewery's website or social media to see what options they're offering for curbside pick-up or delivery.

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