Requires certain establishments provide tap water on request

2025 Regular Session Introduced by James Sanders

On-premises alcohol retailers must provide free, at-least-eight-ounce tap water upon request, meeting drinking-water standards.

COMMITTED TO RULES

Summary of Bill S 9579 (2025-2026, New York)

Purpose and intent

The bill adds a requirement for on-premises retail licensees (venues where alcohol is consumed on site) to provide tap water to patrons upon request at no charge. It aims to ensure access to free drinking water in establishments that sell and serve alcohol, with certain exceptions.

Key provisions and changes

New obligation: All retail licensees for on-premises consumption must serve tap water to a patron upon request.

Cost protection: Water must be provided at no cost to the patron.

Water standards: The tap water must meet all federal and state purity requirements for drinking water.

Serving size: Each serving must be in a receptacle of at least eight ounces.

Exemptions: Corporations operating a vessel, railroad car, or aircraft on regularly scheduled flights by a U.S. certificated airline are not subject to this requirement.

Authority: Amends Section 106 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to include the new subdivision detailing this obligation.

Effective date: The act would take effect 30 days after becoming law.

Who/what is affected

Affected: Retail licensees for on-premises consumption (e.g., bars, restaurants, clubs, and similar establishments) that serve alcohol to patrons.

Exemptions: Certain mobile or transport contexts (vessels, railroad cars, or airline aircraft on scheduled flights) operated by corporations are exempt from the requirement.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative status: Referred to Investigations and Government Operations; advanced through the normal NY Senate committee and floor processes (as of the provided action history).

Enactment timeline: If enacted, implements on the 30th day after the law is enacted.

Practical implications and potential impact

Patrons in on-premises alcohol-serving venues could consistently access free tap water upon request, potentially reducing intake of sweetened beverages or encouraging hydration.

Establishments must ensure compliance with water purity standards and maintain service capability to provide the required eight-ounce minimum at no charge.

The exemption for airline, vessel, or rail excursions means typical travel venues on those transport modes would not be required to provide free tap water under this law.

Compliance considerations may involve staff training to respond to water requests and verify serving size, as well as potential operational adjustments to ensure availability of clean tap water.