Governor of New York Signs Small Brewers Bill

ALBANY, NY — The New York Brewers Association announced today that the Small Brewers Bill that was passed by both the Senate and the Assembly was signed into law last night by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The bill relates to the agreement between the brewer and the distributor. For New York State brewers producing less than 300,000 bbls annual, or 3% of the distributors total annual brand sales, brewers may terminate their contract provided that the brewer pays the distributors Fair Market Value (FMV) for terminating the contract (establish good faith); arbitration decides fair market value disputes.

The Small Brewers Bill, in combination with the Farm Brewers Bill, the Production Tax Credit and Brand Label Registration exemption will work together to grow the craft beer industry in New York State.

Governor Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers have clearly recognized the contribution the craft brewing industry is making to revive the state’s economy, create jobs and demonstrate that New York is indeed ‘Open for Business.’ The combination of laws give us the help we need to continue growing our businesses.

“On behalf of all of New York’s more than 100 craft breweries, we would like to tip our pints to Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Speaker Sheldon Silver, in addition to our greatest member advocates in both houses, including State Senator Joseph A. Griffo and Assemblyman Anthony J. Brindisi. This was truly a bipartisan effort on the part of Albany to not only do what was fair, but also to do what is right for small business, and ultimately all New Yorkers stand to benefit.”

New York’s craft beer industry has nearly doubled in size this past decade, contributing $200 million in sales to the state’s economy and accounting for around 3,000 direct jobs – and nearly 100,000 indirect jobs when positions that rely on this industry such as wholesalers, retailers and suppliers are included as well.

To learn more, visit www.thinknydrinkny.com.