Bill OK’ing alcohol sales in movie theaters advances
Hinchey backs bill, saying it will also aid craft beverage producers
SAUGERTIES, N.Y. » A bill that would legalize the sale of beer and wine in movie theaters has made its way out of a state Senate committee headed up by a Saugerties lawmaker.
The bill was among four others that were favored by the Agriculture and Food Committee chaired by state Sen. Michelle Hinchey, DSaugerties. It was sponsored by Di- ane Savino, a Democrat from Staten Island.
“Senator Savino’s bill passed the Agriculture and Food Committee unanimously and would not only expand markets for our craft beverage producers but serve as an important economic driver for our small Main Street movie theatres that have been struggling during this pandemic,” Hinchey said in a statement. “At a time when COVID-19 has decimated our local entertainment sector, we have to find creative ways to provide our small businesses with additional revenue sources that will keep them thriv
ing in our communities.”
Hinchey represents the 46th Senate District.
“The bill sets forth a framework to license and regulate the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in movie theaters,” Hinchey’s office said in a press release. “The legislation contains protections to prevent overconsumption and underage drinking with a mandatory ID check and a one-drink perpurchase per-ticket rule.”
At least one Republican says she would be receptive to allowing beer and wine to be sold at movie theaters.
“While I did vote against this bill last year, our small local theaters are really
hurting right now as a result of the pandemic,” state Sen. Sue Serino, R-Hyde Park said in an email. “I govern by listening and will keep an open mind should the bill come before me for a vote again this year.”
Other bills sponsored by Hinchey were also favored by the committee last week. They are:
• Nourish NY Program: This bill would establish the state’s farm-to-food bank program, Nourish NY, as a permanent program to distribute surplus agricultural products to food relief organizations across New York state.
• Farming Hotline: This bill would create a “onestop” hotline under the guidance of Cornell Cooperative Extension to connect farmers with information to grow their businesses, such as tax credit programs, beginning farmer loans and sustainable practices.
• Carbon Farming Tax Credit: This bill would create a tax credit to compensate farmers for implementing land management practices that improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• New York State Animal and Plant Fiber Program: This bill would expand the state’s existing Grown and Certified Program to include animal and plant fiber, such as sheep’s wool and hemp, as a new category of product eligible for such a seal of certification.
Hinchey said she will continue to support farmrelated legislation.
“I’m proud to advance bills that reflect the diverse needs of our agricultural industry and ones that support everyone from our craft beverage producers to our livestock farmers,” she said in a statement. “It’s never been more important to strengthen the links between New York farmers and consumers, and we are determined, as a committee, to find ways to fortify our agricultural businesses while connecting more of our residents to the wide selection of high-quality foods and farm-based products grown and produced here in New York State.”
Serino, who represents the 41st Senate District, said she felt similarly.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our state and our Hudson Valley community, and now more than ever we should be advancing bills that effectively strengthen the links between farmers and consumers and I look forward to supporting those bills when they come to the floor for a vote.”