The Albany County Legislature is considering legislation that would extend the hours of operations for wine and liquor sales during the holiday season in Albany County allowed in the New York Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.

 A majority of surrounding counties allow wine and liquor to be sold from 8 a.m. to midnight, every day, except Sunday. Currently, wine and liquor stores in Albany County are allowed to be open between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. According to legislation introduced Monday, the Legislature is requesting the State Liquor Authority extend these hours from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., from November 15 to January 7 each year.

 “I have reached out to local businesses and the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce on this issue and have received strong support for offering expanded hours for liquor stores during the holiday season,” said Majority Leader Dennis Feeney, sponsor of the legislation. “This proposal will benefit both the public and local businesses, as it allows for businesses to stay open additional hours during one of their busiest seasons. This is a straightforward, common-sense proposal, and I look forward to strong bipartisan support.”

 “Expansion of the hours in which wine and liquor stores are allowed to operate in Albany County is a business-friendly measure that provides consumers with more flexibility and convenience. The wine and liquor establishments in Albany County are currently losing businesses to other establishments who are open later during the holidays. I want to thank Majority Leader Dennis Feeney for initiating this effort that will ultimately serve to keep more money in our communities and in the hands of local business owners,” said Chairman Andrew Joyce. “This is a reasonable request. Right now, businesses cannot afford to be weighed down by restrictions that are inconsistent and potentially damaging to their livelihood. With more events coming to the area, allowing these businesses more flexibility makes it a level playing field for all.”

 The Legislature will discuss this legislation further in the Law Committee scheduled March 29.