New York Senate Bill S08112

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/25
• Refer: 5/15/25

Caption

Prohibits the placement of liquor and/or wine for sale within five feet of nonalcoholic beverages for retail licensees who sell such liquor and/or wine for consumption off premises.

Impact

If enacted, S08112 would reinforce regulations concerning the placement of alcoholic products in retail establishments. This change in the law could necessitate reconfigurations of store layouts for retailers, particularly in convenience stores and supermarkets where space is often limited. The intent is to create an environment where consumers can make safer choices when selecting beverages, thereby potentially reducing instances of underage drinking and other related public health concerns.

Summary

Bill S08112 aims to amend the New York Alcoholic Beverage Control Law by prohibiting retail licensees who sell liquor and/or wine for consumption off premises from placing such beverages within five feet of nonalcoholic beverages. The motivation behind this bill centers on enhancing consumer safety and preventing potential mix-ups between alcoholic and nonalcoholic products, particularly in retail environments where both types of beverages are sold adjacently. This regulation seeks to create a clearer demarcation for consumers purchasing beverages and to reduce the likelihood of accidental consumption or confusion.

Contention

While there may be broad support for measures aimed at improving public safety, critics of the bill could raise issues regarding the practicality of such regulations. Retailers might argue that enforcing a five-foot rule could be challenging and may require them to significantly alter their current merchandise arrangements. Additionally, there may be concerns about the financial implications for smaller retailers who might struggle to comply without incurring additional costs to modify their store layouts.