"The craft beverage industry has experienced explosive
growth in New York and with that comes a responsibility to advance regulations
that help ensure long-term viability, protect consumers and provide farmers
with opportunities to increase their business," Governor Cuomo said.
"This legislation will further grow a burgeoning industry and boost small
businesses while helping to put them on a path of sustained growth that
empowers both producers and consumers."
The measure would limit the percentage of alcohol in ice
cream to not more than 5 percent of alcohol by volume, and would require the
same product labeling and warning statements similar to confectionary that
contain wine, beer or cider.
Senator Rachel May said, "New Yorkers are already able
to responsibly enjoy beer, wine, and cider infused ice creams. Thanks to this
bill, vendors will now be able to offer their customers another delicious
treat. This legislation will help New York's dairy industry and our liquor and
craft beverage industries at the same time. I am very grateful to the Governor
for signing this into law, and I look forward to sharing some maple bourbon ice
cream with him at next year's State Fair!"
Assembly member Donna Lupardo said, "This bill expands
on the successful addition of wine, beer and cider to certain specialty ice
creams. Any time we can allow our dairy farmers and producers to add a product
that's popular with consumers, it's good for business and it's good for
tourism. Our distilleries are especially
enthusiastic about the potential for NY spirits in NY ice cream."
Recognizing the value that craft manufacturers have for not
just their own businesses, but for the State's entire economy, Governor Cuomo
has worked to create new licenses, modernize laws, relax regulations, cut
taxes, eliminate fees and launch innovative promotional campaigns to make it
easier to start and grow new craft manufacturing businesses. Since the
Governor's first Wine, Beer and Spirits Summit, the number of farm-based
licenses has increased by over 190 percent, from 282 in October 2012 to 823
today.
New York now ranks in the top five in the U.S. for its
number of craft beverage producers in every category. The state ranks first in
U.S. for the number of hard cider producers, second in craft breweries and
distilleries, and fourth in the country for the total number of wineries.
