WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 6726

Permits the sale of tonic water, bitters, maraschino cherries and dealcoholized wine at liquor stores

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paula Kay and 1 co-sponsor

Allows New York liquor stores to sell tonic water, bitters, maraschino cherries, and dealcoholized wine, expanding non-alcoholic cocktail options.

REFERRED TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 6726

Summary of New York A 6726 (2025)

Overview

A 6726 is a bill introduced on March 11, 2025, that would authorize liquor stores to sell certain non-alcoholic or near-non-alcohol products—specifically tonic water, bitters, maraschino cherries, and dealcoholized wine. The bill is currently “Referred to Economic Development” for consideration.

Purpose and intent

  • The primary aim is to expand the range of products available for sale in liquor stores to include several non-alcoholic or low- alcohol items commonly used in cocktails or beverages.
  • By allowing these items to be sold in liquor stores, the bill seeks to align product offerings with bars, restaurants, and consumers’ beverage needs, potentially reducing the need for separate outlets or vendors for these goods.

What the bill would change

  • Permits liquor stores to retail:
    • Tonic water
    • Bitters
    • Maraschino cherries
    • Dealcoholized wine
  • The bill specifies that these items may be sold within liquor stores, expanding current product lines if they are, under existing law, restricted to other outlets.

Note: The available information does not provide detailed definitions, labeling requirements, pricing rules, inventory thresholds, or age-restriction clarifications beyond the explicit inclusion of these four items. If enacted, the bill may necessitate alignment with existing beverage and licensing statutes (e.g., compliance, advertising, and inventory handling) to avoid conflicts with other regulatory provisions.

Affected parties

  • Liquor stores and their owners/operators
  • Consumers seeking non-alcoholic or reduced-alcohol beverage components (e.g., cocktail mixers, garnishes, or dealcoholized wine)
  • Manufacturers and distributors of tonic water, bitters, maraschino cherries, and dealcoholized wine
  • Other sectors currently selling these items (e.g., grocery or specialty stores) may face competitive changes within the liquor-store channel

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: March 11, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Economic Development
  • Legislative actions show two entries on the same date, both indicating referral to the committee/office responsible for Economic Development
  • No committee vote, floor action, or fiscal note information is provided in the available material

Sponsors and related legislation

  • Primary sponsor: Tony Simone
  • Cosponsor: Paula Kay
  • Related bills/companion measures:
    • A 10023 (prior-session)
    • A 10269 (prior-session)
    • S 368 (companion) — listed twice, indicating related cross-chamber measures

Potential impacts and considerations

  • If enacted, liquor stores would expand product shelves to include specified non-alcoholic or low-alcohol items, potentially boosting sales opportunities and consumer convenience.
  • Regulatory implications could include requiring changes to licensing, labeling, and enforcement provisions to ensure compliance with existing beverage laws.
  • Competitive dynamics may shift among retailers that sell these items outside liquor stores.
  • A fiscal impact assessment (not provided here) would typically address any changes in tax revenue, enforcement costs, and licensing administration.

This summary provides a high-level view based on available bill details. For a fuller understanding, the full text and any fiscal notes would be essential.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.