Governor Kathy Hochul Announces 2023 NYS Budget

Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul shared the “conceptual agreement” on the 2023 state budget. What is different this time for the budget? Well, the budget includes legalizing alcohol-to-go sales, and a partial elimination of the state gas tax. The legalization of alcohol-to-go is something that restaurant owners have been asking for after it was initiated as part of the pandemic relief.

In response to the budget, the New York State Restaurant Association stated: “The agreement on alcohol to-go between the Governor and Legislature is the single most important piece of relief that the state has granted the restaurant industry since the pandemic began. This relief will do more than help us dig out from that hole. It will breathe new life into a hospitality scene that’s still sputtering. It will reimagine the dining experience, allowing patrons to recreate the full restaurant experience at home through takeout and delivery…”

Source: 13 Wham