The New York Prohibition Party is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to veto a bill that would require the state’s commissioner of economic development to actively promote New York–produced alcoholic beverages. The party warns that the legislation risks worsening public health issues and economic costs already associated with alcohol consumption.
In a statement published on June 18, the party urged Hochul to reject Assembly Bill A03922, which amends the Economic Development Law to direct the commissioner to work with other state agencies in developing a strategic plan promoting policies that support the production and sale of New York–labeled beers, ciders, liquors, and mead. The bill also establishes non‑monetary “retailer awards” to recognize outlets that feature locally made alcoholic beverages.
The legislation passed the State Assembly in early February. On June 10, the Senate passed its own version, which it then substituted with the Assembly’s bill. In both chambers, the measure received unanimous support from all lawmakers present. It is now awaiting further action from the governor.
The New York Prohibition Party called the bill “misguided,” warning that it would do more harm than good. The party cited alcohol as a public health hazard linked to illness, injury, and death, and estimated that related social and medical costs exceed $16 billion annually in New York. It argued that state-sponsored promotion of alcohol undermines public health efforts and weakens the state economy.
The full statement shared by the party is below:
Governor Hochul, Veto Bill A03922/S7423
We call on Governor Hochul to veto bill A3922/S7423. This bill, if passed, would require the state commissioner of economic development to promote state policies that will encourage the production and sale of alcohol in the state. This proposal is severely misguided and would harm health, wellbeing, and economic prosperity of New Yorkers. Alcohol is a public health problem that causes widespread illness, injury, and death in our state, and costs our state over $16 billion a year in social, medical, and economic damages. The state government should not be requiring the state economic commissioner to push for pro-alcohol policies, when there is vast evidence that not only will these policies harm the wellbeing of New Yorkers, but they will also damage our state’s economy. We urge Governor Hochul to do the right thing and veto this bill and we encourage sensible New Yorkers to join in calling on the governor to stop this bill.
Prohibition Party of New York
One has to admire the Drys persistence and consistency.