Backed by Politicians, Industry Group Pushes to Extend Pandemic-Era Liquor Rules

Industry group and politicians support extending pandemic liquor laws

A number of measures related to liquor laws that were eased during the height of the pandemic should be extended to help businesses rebound after a crushing year, according to the New York City Hospitality Alliance and local legislators.

As Gothamist reports, the industry group is supporting State Sen. Jessica Ramos’s legislation to prolong granting temporary liquor licenses to NYC bars and restaurants. Often times, it can take months for a full liquor license to be approved, but during the pandemic, the State Liquor Authority processed applications for temporary licenses within about 30 days and made the permits valid for 90 days.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s other executive orders, which are not considered permanent laws, include the legalization of to-go cocktails and allowing alcohol to be consumed in outdoor dining venues. For many businesses, this was seen as a lifeline to staying open.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has said he supports the measures as the state and city open at full capacity today.

In other news

— Pre-ordering goes live at noon ET today for this upcoming weekend’s pop-up collaboration between Doris Hồ-Kane’s popular Bạn Bè and star pastry chef Natasha Pickowicz. Treats including Sichuan peanut cookies and Vietnamese agar jellies are on the menu.

— Rumor has it that Jing Fong’s new Chinatown location will be at 202 Centre Street, Bowery Boogie reports.

— Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s long-awaited South Street Seaport food market in the Tin Building, which may feature six bars, got its liquor license approved, the Tribeca Citizen reports.

— Omsom and Pepper Teigen, Chrissy Teigen’s mother who recently published a cookbook, are teaming up to highlight MSG as an ingredient. They’re selling a dish starter kit ($18) today for krapow, the popular Thai basil stir fry dish.

— Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurant Zizi, a favorite neighborhood spot in Chelsea that’s been closed since June last year, reopens today with a new outdoor setup and menu focused on small plates, according to a spokesperson.

— Two more popular establishments for large groups and drinking reopen today: Brooklyn’s notorious hookup bar Union Pool and the favorite beer hangout Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden in Astoria.

— Pizza and doughnuts come together as the Doughnut Project teams up with Hormel for a “Cheese the Day” doughnut — a savory version with pepperoni — available May 21 to 23 at the bakery’s West Village location, 10 Morton Street.

— Gyoza or milk bread? Why not have both?