MAYOR ADAMS, COMMISSIONER MAYUGA ANNOUNCE LAWSUIT AGAINST WAY.COM FOR PUTTING CONSUMERS IN HARM’S WAY BY SUPPORTING ILLEGAL PARKING COMPANIES

 

Lawsuit Alleges Way.com Facilitates at Least 46 Unlicensed Parking Companies Illegally Operating on City Streets, Deceives Consumers

 

Way.com Faces Civil Penalties for Each Day They Aid Unlicensed Parking Companies’ Illegal Operations

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today announced a lawsuit against Way.com, one of the most well-known parking apps, for pointing consumers to unlicensed and dangerous parking garages and lots with the tools and platform to operate illegally and prey on New Yorkers. Way.com’s digital marketplace has aided at least 46 unlicensed parking companies in violating New York City laws, leading to consumer harm and disturbing local communities, particularly in the high-demand area surrounding John F. Kennedy International Airport. DCWP is seeking a court order to prevent Way.com from continuing to aid these companies’ unlawful operations in New York City. Way.com also faces civil penalties for each day that they continue to aid unlicensed parking companies’ illegal operations.

 

“With this lawsuit against Way.com, we are going to the root of a major quality of life issue affecting our residential communities and one that poses a real danger to drivers: illegal parking garages,” said Mayor Adams. “Way.com has allowed unlicensed and dangerous parking garages and lots to operate on city streets, take up residential parking, and exploit consumers through their deceptive practices. We will not tolerate any company that takes advantage of consumers or puts them in danger, and we will continue to ensure that this industry has safeguards to protect the public’s safety and the pocketbooks of hard-working New Yorkers.”

 

“When New Yorkers use platforms like Way.com to search for parking, they are hoping to save time. Instead, they are unwittingly booking with unlicensed garages and lots that have a track record of harming consumers,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “Our administration is laser focused on ensuring that New Yorkers are protected in their interactions with both brick and mortar and online businesses alike and holding unscrupulous actors accountable.”

 

“Today, we’re seeking to put the brakes on illegal parking companies’ ability to operate and harm our neighbors and local communities,” said DCWP Commissioner Mayuga. “We strive to build a culture of compliance, but despite our attempts to get them to comply with the law, Way.com continues to allow unlicensed parking businesses to flourish in our city and prey on unsuspecting consumers. Anyone hoping to use a parking garage or lot should use our license lookup tool to make sure the lot is licensed before using them.”

 

Today’s lawsuit argues that Way.com has assisted dozens of illegal and unlicensed parking garages and lots in violating the law. In addition to attracting consumers by promoting these lots on the app, Way.com gives these companies the appearance of legitimacy and professionalism because consumers have no indication that these businesses are unlicensed. Many of the unlicensed companies lack a physical brick-and-mortar location, like an office, and would not be visible or even identifiable to the public if Way.com did not list them on their app. Some of the unlicensed companies operate a temporary “valet” sign and park customers’ cars on residential streets without the owners’ permission, disturbing the surrounding community by reducing the parking available for local residents. Way.com also helps these illegal parking companies operate by providing them a digital marketplace, allowing consumers to complete their entire parking transaction online and keeping a portion of the payment as commission.

 

Worse, the suit claims that Way.com’s support of these illegal businesses has directly led to consumer harm. Not only do illegal parking garages and lots pose physical danger to consumers and their property, but consumers have submitted complaints alleging that they were charged more than initially advertised. Others have complained that an unlicensed company has damaged the vehicle they left in the company’s care or that items left in the car went missing, and in some cases, consumers have even been left stranded without access to their vehicles.

 

Finally, the regular lack of a physical location for many of the garages and parking lots undercuts DCWP’s ability to inspect and take enforcement action against them. In addition to the actual lots being difficult to identify on the street — making them challenging to send inspectors out to — in cases where DCWP is actually able to inspect and issue summonses, inspectors have been met with threats of physical violence. In most of these cases, the businesses ignore DCWP’s attempts to enforce the law, refusing to appear at hearings or pay fines, and simply continue operating under alternate names by creating new accounts for consumers to book on Way.com.

 

DCWP began receiving an increasing number of consumer complaints about unlicensed parking companies in April 2023 and quickly launched an investigation. The investigation revealed that many of the unlicensed parking companies rely on Way.com’s services to operate their illegal businesses. In June 2023, DCWP sent a cease-and-desist letter to Way.com, informing them that they were aiding illegal activity and sharing a list of unlicensed parking companies listed on the app. Unfortunately, Way.com has continually refused to come into compliance and de-list the unlicensed companies offering parking through their app.

 

DCWP provides licensed parking companies with a checklist of legal requirements in order to help them avoid violations. New Yorkers should use DCWP’s License Lookup Tool to make sure a business is licensed with DCWP before using them. A DCWP Parking Garage or Lot license is required to operate a business that is open to the public and charges for parking. DCWP currently licenses more than 1,600 parking lots and garages around New York City. DCWP urges consumers to report unlicensed garages and also file a complaint if they have a problem with a garage or lot at DCWP’s website or by calling 311.

Governor Hochul Announces 29% Decline in Shootings in Communities Across New York

Significant Declines in Yonkers, Long Island, Rochester, Syracuse and Other Areas Across the State

Governor Secured Nearly $350 Million Investment To Reduce Gun Violence

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that shooting incidents with injury declined 29 percent through July 2024 compared to the same seven-month period last year, as reported by police departments participating in New York State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. This overall decline is the result of significant, sustained reductions in gun violence across communities served by the 28 police departments participating in GIVE.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority,” Governor Hochul said. “Our comprehensive efforts to bring down gun violence are working – and I’ll never stop fighting to ensure safe communities all across our state.”

This 29 percent decline reflects 351 shooting incidents with injury from January 1 through July 31, 2024, compared to 497 incidents from January 1 through July 31, 2023.

New York State’s GIVE initiative supports 28 police departments in 21 counties with the majority of the state’s population outside New York City.

The following police departments reported particularly significant declines in shootings through July 2024 compared to the same seven-month period last year:

• Yonkers: 57 percent decline
• Nassau County: 56 percent decline
• Suffolk County: 50 percent decline
• Rochester: 35 percent decline
• Syracuse: 32 percent decline

There was also a 21 percent decline in the number of individuals killed by gun violence in GIVE communities during that same time period. (70 individuals from Jan. 1 through July 31, 2024, compared to 89 from Jan. 1 through July 31, 2023.)

July 2024 data for each of the 28 police departments participating in the GIVE initiative are available on the state Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) website.

In addition to the decreases in gun violence experienced in GIVE communities, the New York City Police Department reported an 11 percent decline in shootings (530 versus 595) in New York City through July 2024 compared to the same time last year.

The FY25 Enacted Budget included $347 million secured by Governor Hochul to fund a comprehensive plan that addresses gun violence, reduces crime and recognizes the importance of a multifaceted approach improving public safety.

The Governor’s investments include nationally recognized initiatives administered by DCJS, which provides funding, training and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations in communities hardest hit by gun violence and violent crime:

• Nearly $36 million for the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. Through GIVE, DCJS helps 28 police departments in 21 counties implement evidence-based strategies that have proven to be successful at reducing gun violence, including Problem-Oriented Policing, Hot-Spots Policing, Focused Deterrence/Group Violence Intervention, Street Outreach, and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. These strategies focus on the few people and places that are responsible for most of the violence and engage the broader community to build trust. GIVE also funds district attorneys’ offices, probation departments, and sheriffs’ offices in those counties.
• $21 million for the SNUG Street Outreach program, which uses a public health approach to address gun violence by identifying the source, interrupting transmission, and treating individuals, families and communities affected by violence. Community-based organizations and hospitals operate the program in 14 communities and employ nearly 200 outreach workers, social workers and case managers. Outreach workers are credible messengers who have lost loved ones to violence or have prior justice system involvement. They respond to shootings to prevent retaliation, detect conflicts and resolve them peacefully before they lead to additional violence. Social workers and case managers work with individuals affected by community violence, including friends and family. DCJS also supports New York City’s violence interruption efforts, providing $5 million for its Crisis Management System (CMS) so it can bring those programs to scale.
• $18 million for the state’s unique network of Crime Analysis Centers, which analyze, compile and distribute information, intelligence and data to local law enforcement agencies statewide. No other state has anything similar and the centers – operated in partnership with local law enforcement agencies in 10 counties and New York City – are hubs of state and local efforts to deter, investigate, and solve crimes. Last year alone, staff handled more than 90,000 requests for assistance, helping agencies solve everything from retail theft to murders.
• Up to $20 million for Project RISE, a unique funding model that convenes community stakeholders to respond to gun violence, invest in solutions, sustain positive programming and empower communities. In its first year, the initiative supported 99 organizations, including 74 small, grassroots programs, many of which had never received state support for their work. Programs and services funded by RISE include academic support, employment services, mentoring and delinquency/violence prevention.

CONSUMER ALERT: NYDOS Division of Consumer Protection Offers Tips to Help Older Adults Avoid Financial Scams and Exploitation

August 21^st is National Senior Citizens Day 

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics   

Secretary Mosley: “A few simple steps and precautions can help consumers of all ages protect their personal information, money and livelihood.”

The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing tips to help older adults avoid financial scams and exploitation in advance of National Senior Citizens Day on August 21st. Financial fraud and exploitation is one of the most prevalent types of elder abuse, and a 2023 report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Report estimates that the annual loss to victims aged 60 years and older in the United States is assessed to be at least $3.4 billion dollars, the highest of any age group. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center also reported that losses due to investment scams took the top rank of any crime type. Investment fraud losses rose from $3.31 billion in 2022 to $4.57 billion in 2023, a 38% increase. Consumers over 60 years old lost the most money to investment scams in 2023, with these scams costing older adults over $1 billion nationwide.

“Losing money, retirement savings, possessions or benefits to scams can be very devastating to older adults who generally live on a fixed income,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “On National Senior Citizens Day, help protect yourself and your loved ones by staying up to date on how to spot and avoid trending scams that target older adults. A few simple steps and precautions can help consumers of all ages protect their personal information, money and livelihood.”

New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) Director Greg Olsen said, “NYSOFA is proud to work with the Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection in offering resources to protect older adults against financial scams. All scams have one thing in common: they exploit your goodwill to obtain information that can be used to steal money, property, and other assets. If someone reaches out asking for money or personal information, always remember: close the link, hang up the phone, contact a trusted source instead.” 

Financial Scams Affecting Older Adults

Investment Scams

• How to spot them: Scammers claim that you’ll make a lot of money quickly, easily and with little risk— all guaranteed through special financial management strategies, real estate, cryptocurrency or other investments. They’ll get your attention with free trainings or stories of how others have succeeded using their strategies. Then, you’ll be pressured to pay for the investment or more training programs which never bring return on investment.
• How to avoid them: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Look out for red flags like guaranteed profits and claims that no risk, time or effort will be involved. Resist the temptation to commit quickly. Do your own research on any investment opportunities and be sure you get details in writing before committing. Avoid engaging with unexpected contacts. Scammers often initiate contact through unsolicited calls, emails or text messages. They appear to come from a reputable or trusted source but are attempts to trick consumers into revealing personal information or to gain access to their accounts.

Reverse Mortgage Scams

• How to spot them: Not all reverse mortgages are scams, but scammers can pose as lenders to pressure you into signing contracts. These scam lenders often reach out unexpectedly, don’t clearly explain how the loan works, say you shouldn’t talk to other lenders or don’t fully explain the risks of real reverse mortgage loans. They may also pressure you to sign paperwork that you haven't had a chance to read and you don't fully understand.
• How to avoid them: Don’t rush any decisions or assume a potential lender knows what financial decisions are in your best interest. Do your own research and shop around with multiple potential lenders. Learn more about how legitimate reverse mortgage loans work on the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) website at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/reverse-mortgages/. Learn more about other scams targeting homeowners in our comprehensive Homeowner Scams guide.

 Money Moving Scams            

• How to spot them: Scammers send bogus alerts about suspicious activity or unauthorized charges on your account. They may reach out claiming your financial account or bank account has been victim of fraud or criminal activity and the best way to protect your money is moving it into a new account.
• How to avoid them: If you’re talking with someone making these claims, hang up the phone. Never transfer your money into another account to “protect” it. Never share verification codes since scammers can use the codes to steal your money. Know how your bank and financial institution operates. Always monitor any activity on your accounts directly with your financial institution. Contact your bank or financial institution directly using the number found on your statement or their official website.

Government Imposters

• How to spot them: Scammers might spoof caller IDs or emails to look like real government agencies, but their requests will still line up with common scams: using fear and urgency to pressure you into action. Government agencies always initiate contact by mail. Government agencies are official in their communication and will never request personal or financial information through email or text, or ask for credit card numbers over the phone.
• How to avoid them: If you get unexpected communications from government agencies that don’t seem right, end the call or don’t reply to the message. Reach out to the direct phone number or email of the government agency to confirm whether the communication you received is legitimate. Never share financial or personal information with any government agency without checking that they are who they say they are.

For more information:

• See the Division of Consumer Protection’s Senior Anti-Fraud Education (S.A.F.E.) brochure at https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/05/safe_senior_anti-fraud_ed_5-8-24.pdf
• Visit the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/resources-for-older-adults/protecting-against-fraud/
• Visit the U.S. Federal Trade Commission website at https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams

About the New York State Office for the Aging

NYSOFA is committed to helping older adults and their caregivers become more knowledgeable of fraud tactics that target older adults. Recently, NYSOFA developed a new guide Don't Get Scammed: A Comprehensive Guide for Avoiding Fraud and Theft that provides tips, resources and more to help older adults avoid scams. Please also watch and share NYSOFA's recent livestream on Older Adults: Avoiding Scams and Fraud. Additionally, NYSOFA has partnered with the online community GetSetUp to feature helpful online classes such as Cybersecurity and Fraud , Scam Guard in an AI Era as well as an Elder Abuse Awareness Series. The classes are among hundreds available for older adults to meet with their peers for online learning and social connectedness, free for older New Yorkers. More classes can be found on the GetSetUp website.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.

DCAS to Supercharge Renewable Energy Production with First-Ever ‘Design-Build’ Solicitation for Citywide Solar Panel Installations

 

 

The newly released solicitation covers 26 sites across the city including public schools and NYPD facilities. 

Today, the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) announced the release of the City’s first-ever ‘Design-Build’ solicitation to develop solar photovoltaic (PV) panel projects at City-owned sites. The new solicitation invites prospective proposers to submit their qualifications to bid on a forthcoming major solar project portfolio.  

 

With the goal of bolstering the city’s renewable energy infrastructure, the project portfolio will look to install 3.3 megawatts (MW) of solar panels across 26 City-owned sites in all five boroughs, including 25 schools and one New York City Police Department facility. By adopting the Design-Build approach, DCAS will streamline the typically long and inefficient traditional project delivery process by merging design and construction into one cohesive and efficient process. 

 

“We are beyond excited to release this groundbreaking Design-Build solicitation, which marks a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance the sustainability of New York City's infrastructure through transformative Design-Build principles,” said DCAS Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “By streamlining the process, we are not only accelerating the installation of solar power across City-owned properties, but also reinforcing our commitment to a greener, more efficient future. With this initiative, DCAS is proud to lead the charge in making New York City a model for urban sustainability and innovation.” 

DCAS was granted Design-Build authorization by the State Legislature in 2022, after successful continued advocacy by the Adams Administration. By using Design-Build, the agency will look to supercharge these 26 projects, completing them faster and more efficiently, all while working towards the City’s goal of installing 100 MW of solar power on City-owned property by 2030. 

As part of the solicitation, DCAS will be accepting proposals from qualified bidders, with a minimum of three years of experience, within the five years prior to the submission, in solar PV system design, procurement, installation, construction, commissioning and related Design-Build services. Installing solar panels at these sites advances the City’s commitment to maximize climate infrastructure on City-owned property, including one of the City’s most valuable assets for deploying more clean energy generation: City-owned rooftops. Installing solar panels will also be coupled with necessary roof repair work at these essential City buildings. 

“I am so proud that our public schools are not only hubs for climate education, but that our buildings serve as spaces working to make our city greener for generations of New Yorkers to come,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. “We are looking forward to continuing this partnership and doing our part towards meeting the city’s energy goals.” 

“New York City continues to lead the way in the mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the men and women of the NYPD are proud to do their very large part,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “Through energy-efficient solutions like solar panel installations and LED lighting retrofits at our facilities, the police department is helping to advance the shared goal of minimizing the city’s carbon footprint. It is truly one of the best ways we can serve New Yorkers.” 

 

“As the city’s primary capital construction project manager, we know how important Design Build is in getting projects completed cheaper and faster for New Yorkers,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “We’ve had tremendous success with the use of Design-Build for major projects throughout the city and are happy for our partners at DCAS and their first-ever Design Build solicitation for city-wide solar panel installations. These 26 solar power projects will move our city forward through the use of renewable energy, reducing our carbon footprint.” 

The City’s traditional “design-bid-build" project delivery approach requires procurement of one vendor to design the project and then a separate vendor for construction. Utilizing a Design-Build project delivery approach, where the same vendor does both the design and construction, the City expects to benefit from greater cost and schedule certainty, potential time savings, and an integrated project team that promotes greater collaboration and streamlining of the design and construction for the project. Responses are due by October 15, and all qualified vendors are encouraged to apply.  

  

Solar panel installations are one facet of the City’s larger decarbonization efforts. In June 2024, DCAS provided a comprehensive overview of the City’s progress and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency in public buildings. As highlighted in the Powering Change report, over the past decade, through targeted investments and efficiency measures made by the City, municipal buildings have seen an 8% reduction in energy consumption; overall, over the past decade, city government has reduced its GHG emissions from its operations, including emissions from buildings, fleet, wastewater treatment and solid waste by over 25%. Further, in partnership with City agencies, DCAS has installed over 24 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic units on City facilities and is on track to install 100 MW of solar on City-owned property by 2030.  

About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services  

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes city government work for all New Yorkers. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the resources and support needed to succeed, including:  

  

• Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees.  

• Managing 55 public buildings.  

• Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property.  

• Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies.  

• Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country.  

• Leading the City’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations.

MAYOR ADAMS AWARDS KEY TO THE CITY OF NEW YORK TO LEGENDARY NEW YORK WEATHERMAN, JOURNALIST, AND BEST-SELLING AUTHOR AL ROKER

 

Key to the City of New York Honors Roker’s Decades of Contribution to Broadcast Journalism as ‘America’s Weatherman’

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today awarded a Key to the City of New York to legendary New York weatherman, journalist, and best-selling author Al Roker for his decades of contribution to broadcast journalism. To many, Roker is “America’s weatherman,” nearly 30 years on NBC’s national morning broadcast “TODAY,” informing millions about more than just the weather, but on breaking-news, the latest trends, and iconic global events, such as the Olympics and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

 

“For more than 40 years, Al Roker has been a morning institution in the households of New Yorkers and Americans across the nation,” said Mayor Adams. “Al’s winning smile, infectious energy, and go-getter attitude have been how TODAY’S millions of viewers a week start their day. A child of Queens, Al worked his way up the ranks to become the defining weatherman of his generation, leaping from local broadcast news and into living rooms across the country. We have spent everything from Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades to Olympics to generation defining breaking news together with Al. Today, we celebrate an iconic New Yorker who taught us ‘what’s happening in our neck of the woods.’ I’m honored to deliver the Key to the City to ‘America’s weatherman’ — Al Roker.”

 

“I never imagined a kid from Queens would be receiving a Key to the City of New York,” said Al Roker. “This is really special. I love this city and grew up here with my dad working as a New York City bus driver in Brooklyn. I’m so very blessed and lucky.”

 

Al Roker accepts the Key to the City of New York from Mayor Eric Adams.

 

Born and raised in Queens, Roker started his career as a weather anchor in Syracuse before beginning his time on NBC’s TODAY where he has worked for nearly 30 years. He has received numerous accolades, including 14 Emmy Awards. Roker is at the forefront of crafting television programs, social media and digital content, and entertainment that captivates audiences around the world as the CEO and founder of Al Roker Entertainment. As a bestselling author, Roker has published books with topics ranging from fatherhood and family to cookbooks and murder mysteries.

 

The Key to the City of New York was first awarded in 1702 by New York City Mayor Phillip French, when he offered “Freedom of the City” to Viscount Edward Cornbury, governor of New York and New Jersey. By the mid-1800s, it became customary to award the Key to the City of New York as a direct symbol of the city's wish that a guest feel free to come and go at will. Today, the Key to the City of New York is a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement. 

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Allowing Direct-to-Consumer Shipping for New York Spirits and Cider

 

Legislation S.2852A/A.3132A Expands Market Access for Small Craft Producers

Measure that Provided Temporary COVID-19 Relief Now Permanent

Governor Kathy Hochul signed landmark legislation S.2852A/A.3132A that allows New York’s small craft manufacturers of spirits, cider, and mead to ship directly to consumers. The newly signed law opens significant opportunities for the state’s growing craft beverage industry by providing a vital market expansion tool—allowing these producers to ship their unique products directly to consumers within New York and across state lines.

“New York’s craft manufacturers create distinctive, world-class products that deserve a broader audience,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislation levels the playing field, allowing these small producers to reach new markets and foster economic growth across the state. With this new law, we are ensuring that New York remains a national leader in craft beverages, continuing to support our local businesses, tourism, and agriculture.”

Expanding Market Access for Craft Producers

New York’s craft cider and spirit producers often struggle to gain access to traditional wholesale distribution channels, placing these smaller manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage, as their products are less likely to reach licensed retailers and consumers. Direct-to-consumer shipping offers an essential new outlet for these smaller producers, enabling them to build brand loyalty by connecting directly with consumers who want to enjoy the unique products that define New York’s craft beverage industry. For consumers, the new law means greater access to high-quality New York-made products, driving demand for the state's craft beverages both locally and nationally.

This expansion of market access is particularly significant as New York is home to the largest number of craft cideries in the nation and ranks second in the U.S. for the number of distilleries. By allowing these manufacturers to ship directly to consumers, New York strengthens its position as a leader in the craft beverage industry while supporting the state's broader agricultural economy.

This legislation also represents a milestone for parity for New York's spirits and cider producers, who have long advocated for the same privileges that wine manufacturers have enjoyed for nearly two decades, while providing safeguards against underage access to alcohol and ensuring proper tax collection by mirroring the responsible sales and delivery practices established under the DTC wine shipping laws.

Temporary COVID-19 Relief Now Permanent

During the COVID-19 pandemic, New York craft manufacturers of spirits and cider were granted temporary DTC shipping privileges to help them survive the economic downturn. This temporary measure proved highly successful, with no recorded violations, demonstrating that direct shipping can be done safely and responsibly. The new law permanently codifies this privilege, allowing small craft manufacturers to continue growing their businesses by reaching customers both within and outside of New York.

This legislation further builds upon Governor Hochul’s efforts to modernize New York’s Alcoholic Beverage Control laws, including creating temporary permits to get new manufacturers open quickly, adding spirits, in addition to beer and wine at one day special events, expanding outdoor dining, and extending drinks-to-go.

The new law takes effect in 90 days, just in time for the upcoming holiday season, allowing consumers to explore and enjoy New York’s world-class craft spirits, cider and mead from the comfort of their own homes.