ORAL TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY

New York's Alcoholic Beverage Control Law was originally codified in 1934 in response to the repeal of Prohibition. Upon ratification of the 21st amendment, which officially ended Prohibition, the States were directed to control alcoholic beverages within their borders. New York adopted a three-tier system - manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer - bound together by an array of statutes that tightly regulate the distribution and sale of the product. While these statutes are intended to protect the health, welfare and safety of New Yorkers, some may be extraneous to this purpose or have little or no relevance in today's 21st Century commerce.

Accordingly, the Committee successfully advanced legislation in the 2005-2006 Legislative Session (Chapter 391, A.6686-a (Schimminger)/S.5383-a (Alesi)) directing the New York State Law Revision Commission to examine the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law and its administration, and to make recommendations and propose revisions to ensure public policy goals are met in an effective and efficient manner. The Law Revision Commission submitted their final report in December 2009. The purpose of this hearing is to examine the findings and recommendations of the New York State Law Revision Commission and to elicit industry responses to the findings and recommendations.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on the administration of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law by the State Liquor Authority are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: