Assemblyman Michael Tannousis (R,C,I- Staten Island/Brooklyn) was excited to see the steps being made today to roll back several of the ongoing restrictions on New York's bars and restaurants. Today, both the state Legislature and governor took action by repealing the mandated requirement of vendors to sell food items with alcohol purchases and announcing end dates for curfews on establishments.

Minority lawmakers have been pressuring the majorities in the state Senate and Assembly to remove these restrictions for months. Today, the Legislature voted to revoke Gov. Cuomo's requirement of bars and restaurants to sell food items with alcohol purchases. This policy has been heavily criticized by the Minority Conference and New Yorkers across the state as arbitrary and erratic.

Bars and restaurants will no longer be required to close outdoor dining areas starting May 17, and indoor areas beginning May 31. The release from the governor's office also mentions lifting numerous other restrictions on catered events and social gatherings.

“This is a huge step in the right direction,” said Tannousis. “Our small businesses, restaurants and bars have been unfairly targeted by poorly thought-out policies mandated by Gov. Cuomo. Our conference has been advocating for changes like this for months now, and I hope these actions by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are an indication that they have finally realized the validity of what we have been telling them. These restrictions have done nothing but prevent our small businesses from making a living and need to go now.”