“Businesses need relief from burdensome state regulations,” said Santabarbara. “This common sense measure builds on my efforts to work with the business community to find even more ways to make New York more business-friendly.”

Santabarbara authored legislation that was signed into law today by Governor Cuomo that will streamline the relicensing process for chain food processing establishments (Ch. 260 of 2013).

Under the new law, chain stores including Price Chopper, Stewarts and Cumberland Farms can simultaneously file for a food processing license for each individual location at the same time. Previously, each store had to file separately, making more work for businesses.

“Assemblyman Santabarbara’s common-sense law will save us time and money when it comes to updating the licenses for all of our stores,” said Jerry Golub, President and CEO of the Golub Corporation. “The new application process will allow us to more efficiently and effectively serve Price Chopper customers throughout the Capital Region and New York State.”

Santabarbara also noted that the new law prorates the $400 licensing fee for each store over six-month periods, allowing chain operators to save money on fees when applying for the relicensing for any store with a license that expires in less than two years.