Last week, Governor Cuomo signed Executive Order 202.74, which requires that all licensed establishments with on premises privileges (including manufacturers with tasting rooms) to cease all on premises service of food and drink (indoors or outdoors) at or before 10:00PM, daily. Such establishments may reopen for in-person service at 5:00AM, daily, provided however that alcoholic beverage service may not resume until the later of any stipulated opening hour on the license or the county on premises opening hour.
Curbside to-go and delivery service of food and non-alcoholic beverages, or drive through service, may continue daily after 10:00PM and until any closing hour specified on the license – provided that no alcoholic beverages may be sold to-go or for delivery after 10:00PM. Curbside to-go and delivery service of alcoholic beverages may resume daily at the later of any stipulated opening hour on the license or the county on premises opening hour.
While it is my understanding that most winery tasting rooms likely cease operations well before 10:00PM, I wanted to call attention to two FAQs that the SLA posted to provide further clarity on Executive Order 202.74. I know that some wineries may have resumed hosting weddings, parties and large gatherings. Please be mindful of the 10:00pm closing rule and that events cannot exceed the lesser of 50 people and 50% capacity; or in NYC, the lesser of 50 and 25% capacity; or less based on Hot Spot Zones.
I am a licensee with on premises service privileges, does the 10-person gathering limit in EO 202.74 apply to me?
No, the limitation for non-essential gatherings in EO 202.74 applies only to gatherings at private residences.
I am a licensee using my on-premises service privileges to hold weddings and other events and parties, must the attendees of these events leave the premises by 10:00PM?
Yes, service and consumption must end at 10:00PM at all premises licensed for on premises consumption, and the licensee must cease operation and close to patrons at such time.
As you begin to plan your marketing for 2021, I wanted to share a great food-for-thought resource. The Oregon Wine Board hosts a monthly Zoom information sharing meeting with growers, winemakers, travel partners and managers from 14 of their AVAs. At their November meeting, they welcomed wine and food journalist Lauren Mowery, who offered her suggestions on how to partner more effectively with writers and bloggers. Lauren’s remarks start at 2:20:30 and I recommend listening at least through 2:45:40. Lauren offers some keen insights on how to optimize your website to make it easier for journalists to write about your winery, and she offer suggestions on how to make an impactful photo library. The full conversation is captured here in the meeting recording.
The Press Deck will be on holiday next week, so please be sure to enjoy your favorite New York vegetables, fruits, meats and cheeses with at least one New York wine with your Thanksgiving meal. If you’re looking for last minute suggestions, tune in this Friday, Nov 20th at 6PM for our virtual seminar, New York Wines for the Thanksgiving Table with Dan Belmont. Registration is free and open to all!
