Res. No. 397

Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.10339, in relation to outdoor alcohol service for certain special events

By Council Members J. Sanchez and Maloney

Whereas, The FIFA World Cup is the world’s most watched sporting event and is scheduled to be held across North America from June 11 to July 19, 2026; and

Whereas, The New York-New Jersey metropolitan area has been selected as a premier host, with eight matches scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium, including the tournament’s final championship match on July 19, 2026; and

Whereas, An estimated 1.2 million international and domestic visitors are projected to travel to the tri-state area during the tournament, generating an estimated $3.3 billion in regional economic impact, according to the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee; and

Whereas, Historical data from previous FIFA World Cups and similar large-scale sporting events demonstrates that alcohol sales are a significant economic driver for the hospitality industry, with match-day sales peaking at up to five times the daily average and the National Football League (NFL) reporting that alcoholic beverages can account for 50% or more of total concession revenue; and

Whereas, Existing provisions of the New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Law and New York City Administrative Code generally prohibit the consumption of alcohol in public places, including streets and sidewalks, limiting the ability of local hospitality businesses to accommodate surge crowds; and

Whereas, A.10339, sponsored by New York State Assemblymember Tony Simone, would authorize the State Liquor Authority to permit expanded outdoor alcohol service specifically for special events occurring in June and July 2026; and

Whereas, A.10339 would amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to enable a city, town, or county to request expanded outdoor alcohol service for licensees within specific areas or throughout the jurisdiction; and

Whereas, This legislation would permit multiple licensees to share defined outdoor alcohol service areas and shared spaces with non-alcohol businesses, allowing for increased capacity and improved fan movement during the FIFA tournament period; and

Whereas, A.10339 would mandate that any municipality requesting these privileges provide and document adequate local resources, including law enforcement patrols and sanitation services, to ensure community safety and cleanliness; and

Whereas, The bill would establish a "joint responsibility" framework where participating licensees are collectively liable for violations or enforcement issues within shared areas; and

Whereas, Supporting our local small businesses, particularly in high-density hospitality neighborhoods, is essential to ensuring that New York City’s neighborhood economies benefit directly from the FIFA tournament’s influx of global fans; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.10339, in relation to outdoor alcohol service for certain special events.

CMB

LS#22451

3/18/26