Laws could change to allow earlier Sunday drinking in NYC

Your Sunday Funday may be getting a little longer.

A state group convened by Governor Cuomo called the “Alcoholic Beverage Control Law Working Group” released a report today with a number of recommendations for reworking the state’s liquor laws.

One section of the report was dedicated to changing the current laws banning sales of alcohol before noon on Sundays.

The group suggested creating a permit system that would allow bars and restaurants to serve booze up to four hours earlier, beginning at 8am, noting that laws have recently been enacted to expand the abilities of wine stores and grocery stores to sell alcohol on The Lord’s Day. 

Another reason cited for the recommendation was an increased interest in European sports. Sure, why not. It states: 

“One recent event brought considerable publicity to this issue. The Buffalo Bills football team played a game in London. Given the time differences, the game was televised starting at 9:30 am on a Sunday. Given the statutory hours of sale, on-premises licensees in the Buffalo area (or anywhere else in the state) could not serve alcoholic beverages to patrons during that game. Since the game was on a Sunday, licensees were not even able to obtain an “all-night” permit to open earlier since such permits only allow businesses to continue serving until 8am. A similar situation will be faced next season when the New York Giants football team is expected to play in London.” 

The suggestion isn’t without controversy, however. The Community Board representative involved with the report notes that his Board passed a resolution opposed to the expanded Sunday Funday hours.