Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (D-Sag Harbor) announced that legislation he sponsored to authorize the New York State Liquor Authority to grant eligible catering facilities a license to serve liquor at weddings, banquets or other functions held at locations off-site from the catering facility (A.10176/S.9049) has been signed by the Governor as Chapter 703 of the Laws of 2022.

Prior to the enactment of this legislation, catering establishments that did not have adequate facilities and accommodations to provide food and service for 50 or more people were precluded from obtaining a liquor license from the State Liquor Authority (SLA). These antiquated provisions of the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Law limited catering establishments, which could only apply for temporary permits that would allow them only to serve exclusively beer, wine and cider at the off-premise events. This new law will modernize the ABC Law and makes them eligible for license from the SLA to serve liquor at events that are held off-site from their catering facility.

Assemblyman Thiele stated, “The East End of Long Island is home to many well-known catering establishments that exclusively provide services for events that are held at locations off-site from their facility. This new law supports small businesses by making it easier for the off-premise catering industry to operate and remain competitive in New York State. I was pleased to work with the State Liquor Authority, Senator Anna Kaplan and many of my local off-premise caterers on this effort to make our small businesses a more viable and essential part of our economy. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this important measure into law.”

John Kowalenko (Art of Eating Catering) said, “I am honored to have worked on this initiative with Assemblyman Fred Thiele for the past four years. Mr. Thiele’s diligence in amending the State Liquor Authority law that eliminated any licensed off premises caters from obtaining a state issued liquor license has finally prevailed. While the existing SLA law had good intent, it prevented any licensed caterer from serving alcoholic beverages at their events which became detrimental to catering businesses. Mr. Thiele’s team was able to obtain an amendment to the law which now allows off premises caterers in New York State to apply for their own liquor license. I am eternally grateful for his team’s hard work on seeing this through.”