Details on New York’s expanded craft beverage production license that allows everyone to make beer

N.Y. Governor Andrew Cuomo really seems to like craft beer. His latest approval is for new production licenses (applications being accepted now) to allow facilities producing craft beverages to provide space and equipment to those looking to produce beer, wine or cider for home consumption. So, yes, this new license will allow growers, hobbyists and fans of craft brewing to engage in small scale production of their own crafted beverages.

“This new license provides greater opportunity for New Yorkers to make their own beer, wine or cider, while helping to strengthen an already booming craft beverage industry,” Cuomo said. “This win-win-win makes it easier for hobby brewers, vintners and cider makers to hone their craft, while offering beverage manufacturers a new source of revenue that in turn helps New York farms succeed and thrive.”

The State Liquor Authority, which oversees the application process, will provide new licenses to facilitate the production of homemade beer, wine and cider. Licenses are available to both current craft manufacturers seeking to establish a secondary business at their current location or businesses seeking to open a standalone custom homemade craft beverage production center.

New York’s craft beverage industry is one of the fastest growing in the nation. However, in urban and suburban areas, residents often cannot afford or do not have access to the appropriate space or equipment to manufacture products at home. In addition to providing space and lowering the overhead costs, the new custom production centers will also increase demand for locally grown ingredients, generate revenue for New York’s small craft manufacturers and provide expert hands-on training for hobbyists and those exploring joining the growing ranks of craft producers across New York State.

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The application for current craft manufacturers to add a custom manufacturing facility to their existing premises is available here. The application for those not currently holding a manufacturing license is available here.

“Providing places in the community for people with shared interests to come together has always been important to me,” said Senator David Carlucci. “The creation of these custom centers will allow neighbors to receive training and share equipment. New York’s beer, wine and cider industry is blossoming, and this program will allow the talent pool to thrive. Moreover, it will have a positive effect on the agricultural industry in New York State, as more producers will look to use locally-grown grapes, apples, hops and barley. I thank Governor Cuomo for his role in growing this field.”

Under Cuomo, New York is now home to more than 600 farm wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries. The number of farm wineries in New York has increased by nearly 70 percent, from 195 in 2010 to 329 today, while the number of farm distilleries grew from just 10 in 2010 to 114 today. Two new licenses have been created since 2011: the farm brewery license in 2013 and the farm cidery license in 2014, with New York now home to 163 farm breweries and 34 farm cideries.