What's Cookin'? Smithtown - NYS Says YES To Sunday Morning Cocktails

What’s Cookin’? – Smithtown

By Nancy Vallarella

It’s Five O’clock Somewhere! - Even on Sunday Morning in New York

Bipartisan verbal back patting was the forefront of activity upon Governor Cuomo’s signing of legislation that will “modernize New York’s archaic 80-year-old Alcoholic Beverage Control Law” on September 7, 2016.

Senator Andrew Lanza said, “This law will modernize state alcohol laws that in many cases date back to Prohibition while cutting red tape, lowering costs, and rolling back burdensome regulations. I thank Governor Cuomo and Majority Leader Flanagan for their efforts in making this important legislation law.” 

Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan said, “Small businesses and consumers throughout the state will greatly benefit from this reform of the state’s outdated blue laws that will expand Sunday brunch options and promote the continued success of New York’s service and beverage industries. I thank Senator Lanza for his efforts to get this legislation passed, and Governor Cuomo and our colleagues in the Assembly for working with us to help cut red tape and burdensome regulations so that more businesses can grow and thrive.”

Part Blue Law overhaul. Part industry support. This legislation does not hit home here in Smithtown. It falls flat but local business owners are pleased with other aspects of Governor Cuomo’s promotion of the craft beverage industry. 

The sale of alcoholic beverages at on-premises establishments on Sunday is now allowed starting 10:00 a.m. In addition, the state will make available twelve permits a year that will allow for service of alcohol on Sunday between the hours of 8:00 and 10:00 am. 

With over fifty years of continuous business in Smithtown, Old Street Restaurant & Bar will not change their Sunday opening hours. They will continue to open at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays and every day. “We really don’t have a demand for alcohol before noon. I think that the law change is way overdue, and most bars and restaurants weren’t abiding by the law,” states Owner, Laura Lombardi.

Provisions to broaden retail sales by producers, and reduce burdensome fees and  regulations for wineries, distilleries, breweries and cideries across the state do not benefit local vineyards; Whisper Vineyards in Saint James or Harmony Vineyards in Head of the Harbor, St. James. Both do not plan to sell wine in growlers or change their policy regarding take-a-way partial bottles. They will not increase their business hours and will not see a reduction in licensing fees. 

Six weeks ago, Harmony Vineyards in Head of the Harbor began brunch service on Sunday starting at 9:30 a.m. The passing of the new ABC laws was never a consideration. Owner David Acker and his wife had an “aha moment” while brunching in Manhattan. 

The inspiration for increased operating hours is Harmony’s spectacular waterfront vista paired with a brunch menu by Filomena Lombardi of Farm to Table Catering by Filomena located in Nesconset.  Parallel philosophies on work ethic and a commitment to quality make this organic partnership excel.  Harmony Vineyard’s brunch service has seen “linear growth” over past the six weeks. Plan on the service to continue through the upcoming seasons as they offer indoor and outdoor seating.  Harmony Vineyards does not plan on applying for the permit to serve liquor before 10:00 a.m. 

Harmony’s Owner, David Acker, credits Governor Cuomo’s efforts as having elevated the perception of the quality of New York wines. The Taste of New York program and poster campaign on the LIRR have contributed to this awareness. 

For the more information on the new Alcohol Beverage Control Laws visit: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-signs-legislation-modernize-new-yorks-alcoholic-beverage-control-law