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New York State Liquor Stores Can Now Open Earlier on Sundays New York State Liquor Stores Can Now Open Earlier On Sundays

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation improving the sale of liquor in New York.

By Chesnie Caster

Inside of Pascale's Liquor Square in Syracuse, N.Y.
© 2023 Chesnie Caster

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) – Liquor and wine stores in New York can now stay open on Sundays any time between 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. due to a new package of legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul. 

Previous state law permitted restaurants and bars to begin serving alcohol at 10 a.m. on Sundays, however liquor stores could not open until noon.

This legislation has been put in place to allow local liquor stores the opportunity to expand their business and sales by increasing hours of operation. The expanded hours may require some businesses to take on additional staff and as a result this will create more job opportunities in local communities.

“Across New York, breweries, distilleries and other alcoholic beverage businesses are creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity,” Governor Hochul said in a recent press release. “I’m proud to sign this legislation that will modernize the laws governing the sales of alcoholic beverages in New York.”

Local businesses in Syracuse have already begun to take advantage of the new legislation by expanding their hours of operation. Pascale’s Liquor Square, a local store in Syracuse, is now opening at 10 a.m. compared to their previous opening time of noon. 

“I hope that we see more sales on Sundays,” Noah Curtis, the store supervisor of Pascale’s Liquor Store, said “And be able to make a little more money.”

The new law will also attract business by making the shopping experience more attractive to customers.

“It’s a big convenience for the consumer to not have to run around and rush to squeeze into the limited period that we used to have, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m..” Charles Pascale, owner of Pascale’s Liquor Store said. 

The passing of this legislation addresses New York’s historic “blue laws” which have been considered outdated to many lawmakers.

“We applaud the continued efforts by our Governor and the Legislature to help small businesses succeed and protect public safety by addressing antiquated liquor laws,” State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan said in a statement.

 Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to sign more legislation on the matter in the coming months. 

CHESNIE CASTER: Liquor and Wine stores can now make sales any time from 10 a.m to 10 p.m on Sunday due to new laws passed by Governor Kathy Hochul. This legislation not only increases business for stores like Pascale’s Liquor Square but also creates benefits for the everyday consumer.

CHARLES PASCALE: It’s a big convenience for the consumer to not have to run around and rush to squeeze that into it, the limited period that we used to have, 12 to 6.

CHESNIE CASTER: Beverage companies such as liquor stores form a foundational part of the New York State economy and the passing of this new legislation means that small businesses like this one can continue to survive.

NOAH CURTIS: I hope that we see more sales on Sundays now because especially a lot of people seem, once it gets later in the day to not come out anyways. So, us being able to open up a little bit earlier. Will hopefully help the liquor industry on that side and be able to make a little more money on Sundays.

CHESNIE CASTER: The new laws also allow liquor stores to sell products commonly brought with wine. A sale that was previously reserved for most grocery stores. This law helps supplement the decrease in wine sales that many liquor store owners have seen over the last several years.

PASCALE: Wine boxes used to be a real thing back 10 or 20 years ago. And, hardly any of the wine companies do that any longer. So it’s again this spirit based thing but we can use this also to promote wines also.”)

CASTER: According to lawmakers, Governor Hochul is expected to pass more legislation on the matter in the coming months.Chesnie Caster… N-C-C News”

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