A bill introduced by Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) to protect New York wine retailers from State Liquor Authority (SLA) overreach was voted out of the Assembly’s Economic Development Committee today (A.10248). The bill, similar to legislation Steck introduced last year that was vetoed, will allow businesses to exhaust their right to due process if found in violation of another state’s ABC laws before SLA can come in and penalize them for their out-of-state actions.

“Due process is a bedrock principle of our system of government,” Assemblymember Steck said. “We don’t put people in jail before they’ve been given a trial, and we shouldn’t penalize businesses for alleged wrongdoing in other states before they’ve had a chance to thoroughly defend themselves.”

Industry leaders, including the American Wine Consumer Coalition (AWCC), National Association of Wine Retailers (NAWR), National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and The Business Council of New York State, have all voiced their support for Steck’s bill. The legislation is being carried in the state Senate by Senator Phil Boyle (R-Bay Shore) (S.7728).