Bill aims to boost New York state distillers

If signed by the governor and signed into law, the bill would authorize the shipment of alcoholic beverages to New York and to states where direct-to-consumer shipping is legal and have equivalent license classes.

The bill will allow New York distillers to ship their spirits, ciders, meads and brags directly to consumers.

Allowing small companies to ship directly to customers will allow them to better compete with their larger national rivals, said Brian Facquet, president of the New York State Distillers Guild. Most are too small to be represented in stores outside their territory.

“New York State distillers produce some of the highest quality spirits in the world, but many of us do not have the financial strength to compete in the global spirits industry,” he said. -he declares.

The law would allow manufacturers to ship their products to tourists who are unable to bring them home from a distillery, and allow them to order more once they return home.

Direct-to-consumer shipping was temporarily allowed during the Covid-19 pandemic, proving it could be done easily and safely, supporters of the bill said.

Teresa Casey, executive director of the New York State Distillers Guild, called the legislation “a logical extension of the farm-celebrating businesses facilitated by agricultural beverage licenses.”

“Businesses currently struggling due to lack of access to their markets will be able to get their products to consumers who want them,” she said. “These small businesses will be able to grow and thrive, and no other small businesses will be impacted, including retail stores, most of which simply cannot allocate storage space to our small growers.”

In addition to artisans, the law would boost tourism and agriculture, said Scott Ramsey, executive director of the New York Cider Association.

“We have seen the value New York’s wine industry adds to our state’s economy for decades and we are pleased to know that the vast majority of our legislators support that New York cider and New York spirits York have the same opportunity,” he said.

“Most importantly, this bill will be invaluable to New York’s ownership of the craft beverage industry for all parties involved, including retailers and distributors,” he said.

Indochino, a custom suit store, will open at Walden Galleria on August 16.

The Vancouver-based retailer takes a customer’s measurements, clothes are custom-made in China, then shipped to the customer’s door within four to six weeks. Customers choose from a variety of fabrics and customization options including lapels, pockets, buttons, linings and monograms.

In addition to suits, the retailer sells tailored shirts, chinos, blazers and overcoats. The 2,500 square foot store will be located on the lower level of the mall, across from Urban Outfitters and near Apple.

North Buffalo residents can now order high-speed internet service from Rochester-based Greenlight Networks. Fiber to the home service will be available this fall. Construction is already underway and more than 2,600 homes are expected by September.

Greenlight is now available on the east and west sides of Buffalo, as well as Cheektowaga, North Tonawanda and Lancaster Village. By the end of the year, its network is expected to reach more than 30,000 Erie County homes.

Wicked Warren’s, a $2.35 million restaurant, craft brewery and banquet hall, will open July 13 at the former Jamestown Brewing Co. site at 115-121 W. Third St. in Jamestown . It will include music, a banquet space, a merchandise store, a “clandestine room” and, eventually, a rooftop bar.

Owner Robert Roth owns another Wicked Warren’s in Warren, Pennsylvania – a brewery and pizzeria.

Empire Visionworks, an optometrist at 2680 Delaware Ave., has closed. The store, located in the Delaware Consumer Square Plaza, sold glasses and performed eye exams. The closest Empire Visionworks location is now at 1308 Niagara Falls Boulevard in the Town of Tonawanda.

Niagara Falls got its first state-licensed cannabis dispensary earlier this month. Upstate Exotics cut the ribbon at 9200 Niagara Falls Boulevard, northeast of Military Road. The owner is Jaylin Smith.

Niagara Falls is also home to Nativa Cannabis, a recreational cannabis dispensary licensed by the Seneca Nation. It is located on the corner of John B. Daly Boulevard and Niagara Street, adjacent to the Seneca One Stop gas station and convenience store in the nation’s sovereign Niagara territory.

Education really pays off. Here’s a look at how much.

The job market in Buffalo Niagara took a step back in May, but economists say there’s no reason to worry – yet.

Josh Allen appears in a Pepsi ad.

Two local business groups are move to new offices.

The state is crack down about illegal pottery shops.

UB researchers say telemedicine helps limit hepatitis C.

Save-A-Lot at Broadway Market closesbut its impact is much broader.

A South Buffalo manufacturer is expanding.

Local wages are increasing. Here’s how much.

Graycliff gets a new – and bigger – visitors center.

A Niagara Falls movie theater is poised to become a auto parts center.

A Canadian developer plans to transform the former Howard Johnson Hotel in Niagara Falls into a music room.

Five reads from Buffalo Next:

1. So you want to own a golf course? It’s not all fun and games.

2. The evolution of Viridi Parente in an evolving market.

3. Some development projects face a new problem: they cannot draw enough electricity.

4. A closer look at the Rails on the main apartment project.

5. The Buffalo Niagara Region people’s problem is getting worse − and it’s bad for business.

The Buffalo Next team gives you insight into the region’s economic revitalization. Email tips to [email protected] or contact Buffalo Next editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435.