Following Governor Cuomo’s announcement that bars and restaurants can only serve alcohol with the sale of food items, Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro voted in favor of a resolution opposing the new guidelines.

Legislator Todaro said, “Governor Cuomo continues to impose arbitrary restrictions and regulations that hurt small business owners. Many of the bars and restaurants in our community are working hard to safely serve customers, and forcing them to serve food with alcohol is an unnecessary hurdle they now have to face.”

The resolution passed during the most recent session of the Erie County Legislature Thursday, July 23. However, Democrats in the Legislature voted against a section of the resolution that directed the County Attorney to challenge Governor Cuomo in court.

“This overreach of power cannot continue to go unchecked,” Legislator Todaro added. “I’m disappointed that some of my colleagues in the Legislature agree the new rules are excessive, but won’t step up to challenge Governor Cuomo in court. In the meantime, I can assure you I will continue to advocate on behalf bars and restaurants throughout the community.”