COVID-19 Update

Fighting the spread of the Coronavirus has motivated the Governor to put closing restrictions on many businesses.

The latest restrictions, as of today, Tuesday, March 17:

• No gatherings of 50 people or more
• Casinos, gyms and, theaters will be closed until further notice
• Bars and restaurants will be closed, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closing
• Strongly advise (BUT NOT REQUIRED) that only services and businesses that are essential stay open after 8 p.m.
  • Groceries
  • Gas stations
  • Pharmacies
  • Medical facilities

The SLA has issued guidance for on-premise licensees, giving them limited off-premises privileges: https://sla.ny.gov/Restrictions-in-Response-to-COVID-19 

To date no restrictions have been placed on C Licensees. We want our stores to remain open during this crisis. In order to be in front of the issue we have engaged the Governor’s office and are in the process of creating a position paper speaking to the value of our stores staying open. This will be presented to the Governor and selected members of his cabinet.

NYSABC will voice our concerns to the SLA and value to of our stores staying open. We will also fight alongside with our suppliers to keep their businesses open as we depend on delivery and supply to keep inventory in our stores.

Below please find some talking points that will be included in our presentation:

NYSABC respectfully submits this memo in support of our request to be allowed to conduct business during any government-ordered closings. Here are a few reasons:

• We are a vital source of bottled water, juice and sports drinks (Gatorade) for the community, as well as other important products, including ice.
• Our stores are not locations where people gather in large numbers.
• Many of our employees are local college students, part-timers and second job workers who depend on their pay to make ends meet. More so if they have already been impacted by closings of other employers.
• We serve many small wholesale accounts like delis, supermarkets and bodegas that address critical community needs and will continue to do so in the evident of widespread closings.
• We also need our suppliers to remain open in order to keep our stores stocked.
• If circumstances require large-scale closings of retail stores, we should be treated the same way as groceries, and be allowed at a minimum to provide curbside pick-up and make deliveries to retail customers. Our license already allows us to make beer deliveries to retail customers and to wholesale accounts.

 Stay healthy, will keep you posted as things develop