News Article Highlights ABC Law Problems

An extended article in the Albany Times Union details the problems with the Alcoholic Beverage Control law and the need for updating and modernizing the law. The article discussed the long delays in licensing, the conflicting provisions of the law, the many antiquated rules and the severe under-funding of the State Liquor Authority. Of note were several comments from the past – some as old as forty years ago – citing the need to update the ABC law to keep with modern times.

The article accurately notes that changes have been made to the law, but that those changes did not update the rules under which our industry operates. The changes that have been enacted dealt with limited concerns of individual interests at the same time those interests stood in the way of a broad review of the law (as is now underway by the Law Review Commission). Our association sought such a review for about twenty-five years and was finally successful in gaining approval for a comprehensive review last year. Our efforts have been opposed by all others in the alcohol beverage industry who either had their heads in the sand about the outdated laws’ impact on the industry or who were unwilling to have the law reviewed for fear of having their position undermined. The article demonstrates the vision of the current leadership of the State Liquor Authority who recognize the need to undertake a comprehensive review of the law and have made significant improvements in the agency’s administration within the law’s restrictions.

You can read the article on the Albany Times Union website at:

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=676599&category=BUSINESS&newsdate=3/30/2008