COVID-19 UPDATES 

Industry Updates | Operating Safety | Business Assistance | NYS Guidance | Feedback

The New York State Liquor Store Association is committed to being a resource for our members during this difficult time. We are gathering news, information, and resources and will be updating this page regularly as we receive additional updates. Please check back frequently and feel free to contact us with questions.

 

Industry Updates  

NEW INTERIM GUIDANCE ISSUED FOR ESSENTIAL & PHASE II RETAIL BUSINESS ACTIVITIES DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

All essential businesses (including liquor stores), and Phase II Retail Businesses must read the Guidance and Affirm their understanding of and compliance with the Guidelines.  Even if you have already filled out Guidance documents for essential businesses and Phase I Retail Businesses, you need to complete the New Phase II Interim Guidance forms for Employers and Employees of Retail Businesses:

Phase One Guidance for delivery, curbside, and in-store pickup service only  
Phase Two Guidance for Essential and Phase II Retail Business Guidelines for Employers and Employees 

Executive Order 202.74: Allows Liquor & Wine Stores to Close at 11:00 PM. This is in effect until March 16, 2021. Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo (ny.gov). 

Executive Order 202.16: All essential businesses must provide face masks for any and all employees who are present in the workplace, and employees shall wear face coverings when in direct contact with customers of members of the public. Businesses must provide, at their own expense, such face coverings for their employees. This requirement shall be effective Wednesday, April 15, at 8:00 pm. CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER GUIDANCE. 

SLA Takes Immediate Actions to Provide Relief for Retailers in Response to the Novel Coronavirus: Payments for Renewal Fees and Penalties Extended, Wholesalers Allowed to Immediately Lower Prices Charged to Retailers, Relaxed Requirements for Municipal Notifications, Required Documentation. CLICK HERE FOR MORE. 

The NYS Liquor Authority posted it's guidance on retail price adjustments and lower quantity limits. Click HERE for more. 

THREE TIER SYSTEM DEEMED ESSENTIAL: All entities licensed by the NYS Liquor Authority, INCLUDING LIQUOR STORES, are deemed essential businesses which means you do not have to reduce your workforce and you may remain open. The three-tier system of alcohol distribution is OPEN for business. Click HERE for more. 

PLASTIC BAG BAN: The statewide ban on single-use plastic bags will be enforced beginning on October 19, 2020. Click HERE for more. Learn About New York's Plastic Bag Ban:

RESTRICTIONS, TO-GO & DELIVERY: Pursuant to the Governor's order, effective Monday, March 16, 2020 at 8:00 PM, all licensed on-premises establishments (restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs, arenas, catering establishments, etc.) must cease on-premises sales of alcoholic beverages and/or food. CLICK HERE FOR MORE. 

STATE LIQUOR AUTHORITY COVID-19 FAQ'S

NYS Guidance on Paid Leave for COVID-19

NYS Guidance: https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/COVID19

For Employers: https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/03/covid-19-sick-leave-employers.pdf

For Employees: http://docs.paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/content/main/forms/PFLDocs/obtain-order-of-quarantine.pdf

FAQs: https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/new-york-paid-family-leave-covid-19-faqs

OPERATING SAFELY AS AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS (Source: Retail Untapped) 

Stop foot traffic: No one should wander in and discover your store during this time.

  • Make it clear with physical signage and social media postings that customers must place an order first. 
  • Set up a curbside pick-up station outside the store.

Set up a process for orders: This doesn't need to be sophisticated or expensive.

  • If you have an online platform or app for this, make it front and center via email marketing to your current customers and even digital marketing to new customers. If you don't have an online platform or app, then:
  • Share your phone number and ask customers to call in.
  • Set up a form (using tools like Google Forms or Typeform, for example) to take orders and share it on your website and social channels.
  • Have one team member in charge of taking orders to ensure none are missed.

Lend your experience: Offer your expertise to create some level of normalcy.

  • On the phone or form, ask for their favorite flavors and styles to build a wine or beer box around.
  • Offer cocktail kits with all they need to easily create classic cocktail options.
  • Throw in small freebies, if you can: metal stirring straws, corkscrews, branded merch.

Connect with your customers: Virtually, that is. 

  • Send regular email newsletters to subscribed customers, updating them on items in stock and changes to ordering processes.
  • Try hosting a virtual event, like a happy hour or social distancing party.
  • Ask for help! Financially, this is an unprecedented time for all industries. If your employees or store needs support, your community can help.

With all of these, ensure that employees are following safe and sanitary measures, like wearing gloves that are sanitized or changed regularly, wiping down merchandise, and staying six feet away from everyone at all times. 

Business Assistance 

To assist our members, we have assembled this additional COVID-19 Resource Center to provide you with the latest information, guidance, and resources in relation to COVID-19. Below, you can find summaries of Federal and New York State actions and resources that may be of assistance to you and your business.

U.S. Federal Government
New York State Government

 NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Tracker: Click HERE to view a map of current cases in NYS