Allows any person who holds a license to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises to allow players to engage in certain recreational contests.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
1514
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 10, 2025
___________
Introduced by M. of A. WEPRIN -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. COOK --
read once and referred to the Committee on Racing and Wagering
AN ACT to amend the alcoholic beverage control law, in relation to
certain recreational contests in establishments with licenses to sell
alcoholic beverages for consumption on premise
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. Legislative intent. The legislature finds that allowing
2 recreational games such as playing cards, penny poker, cribbage and
3 dominoes be permitted in establishments, licensed by the state liquor
4 authority to serve alcoholic beverages, will offer mutual benefits for
5 both the consumer and the establishment. Allowing for these activities
6 to be conducted in establishments such as the local tavern or pub would
7 provide a place for individuals like senior citizens to recreate. This
8 legislation would further stimulate business within these establish-
9 ments. Nevertheless, both employer and employee of such establishment
10 would be prohibited from profiting from any such games so authorized
11 pursuant to this legislation.
12 § 2. The alcoholic beverage control law is amended by adding a new
13 section 132 to read as follows:
14 § 132. Recreational contests involving skill in establishments with
15 licenses to sell alcoholic beverages. Notwithstanding any provision of
16 law to the contrary any person, who holds a license to sell alcoholic
17 beverages for consumption on premise pursuant to this chapter, may allow
18 players to engage in recreational contests amongst themselves involving
19 chance so long as skill is a factor at such establishments. Wagering
20 amongst participants is permissible. No proceeds shall go to the estab-
21 lishment. No employee of such establishment shall engage in such
22 contests. Nothing in this section shall be considered unlawful for
23 purposes of article two hundred twenty-five of the penal law nor shall
24 it be construed to affect the existing authority of the governor under
25 the constitution and the laws of this state to prohibit gambling.
26 § 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03596-01-5
