Res. No. 16
Resolution calling on the New York State Assembly to pass A.1516, the New York State Senate to introduce and pass similar legislation, and the Governor to sign such legislation into law, which would increase the required distance between premises selling liquor and/or wine at retail for consumption off the premises and a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship from 200 to 800 feet.
By Council Members Richards, Cabrera, King, Koo, Palma and Mendez
Whereas, The New York State Liquor Authority ("SLA") regulates state licensing to sell liquor under the New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Law ("ABC Law"); and
Whereas, According to a recent New York Daily News article, there are approximately 1,368 wine and liquor stores in New York City, a 14 percent increase from 2010; and
Whereas, New York City is one of the most culturally and religiously diverse cities in the world, containing thousands of houses of worship; and
Whereas, According to the New York City Department of Education, New York City has over 1,700 public schools serving over 1.1 million youth; and
Whereas, The ABC Law currently requires a distance of 200 feet between a premise selling liquor and/or wine at retail for consumption off the premises and a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship; and
Whereas, According to the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth ("CAMY"), multiple longitudinal studies have correlated that minors exposed to alcohol marketing stand greater likelihood of drinking; and
Whereas, Furthermore, CAMY indicates that "the impact of alcohol marketing on young people is an important public health goal since underage drinking is a significant contributor to youth alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes and other forms of injury, violence, suicide, and problems associated with school and family"; and
Whereas, A.1516, currently pending in the New York State Assembly, seeks to increase the required distance between premises selling liquor and/or wine at retail for consumption off the premises and a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship from 200 to 800 feet; and
Whereas, A.1516 would help prevent underage youth exposure to alcohol advertising and marketing; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Assembly to pass A.1516, the New York State Senate to introduce and pass similar legislation, and the Governor to sign such legislation into law, which would increase the required distance between premises selling liquor and/or wine at retail for consumption off the premises and a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship from 200 to 800 feet.
WJH
1/15/14
LS 5119