BILL NUMBER: S9405
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the alcoholic beverage control law, in relation to
outdoor alcohol service for certain special events; and providing for
the repeal of certain provisions upon the expiration thereof
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Allow local municipalities to establish temporary expanded alcohol
service areas in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the Alcoholic Beverage Control law by adding a new
section 97-e which states a city, town or county may request expanded
outdoor alcohol service for licensees within the whole city, town, coun-
ty, or within a specific area or areas of the city, town, county, for a
period beginning June 1st, 2026 and ending July 31st, 2026 while setting
'requirements for enclosures, sharing of spaces, safety, sanitation and
worker operations.
Section 2 requires reporting to the legislature by any civic campus
approved activities under section 1.
Section 3 requires a city, town, or county approved under section 1 must
conduct a public engagement review by September 1st, 2026.
Section 4, makes the act effective immediately provided that section 1
is repealed on July 31st, 2026.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The tri-state region will be hosting eight World Cup matches, with
around 1.2 million visitors expected to travel here during the tourna-
ment. This bill would allow municipalities to better accommodate these
tourists, spur economic development, and enhance this once in a lifetime
experience for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world, just as
other host states have done.
Modelled on legislation already signed into law in Washington State,
this bill would enable relaxed alcohol regulations within designated
fanzones, or established "entertainment zones," while requiring approval
from localities.
This bill will not only benefit world cup fans, but also the restaurant
and hospitality industry, nonprofit organizations, and local and state
governments in New York through the expected increase in revenue.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately, and section 1 will be repealed
on July 31, 2026