Legislator Lorigo calls on State Liquor Authority to waive liquor license renewal fees in support of struggling restaurants

Modified: January 13, 2021 9:36am

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Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Erie County Legislator Joe Lorigo has submitted a resolution calling on the State Liquor Authority to waive the fees tied to liquor license renewal for bars and restaurants throughout New York State and Erie County.

The resolution supports legislation proposed at the state level and would be a step toward helping struggling bars and restaurants fight through the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, bars and restaurants in Erie County are forced to operate for takeout only under state guidelines. The resolution asks that the State Liquor Authority waive the renewal fee for liquor licenses in 2021.

Legislator Lorigo said, “Bars and restaurants all over Erie County are trying to survive another day. The amount of revenue they can bring in has been absolutely crushed by the governor’s restrictions, which has led to layoffs and permanent closures. The cost of renewing a liquor license can be thousands of dollars which only adds to the financial strain bars and restaurants are experiencing. I am urging on the New York State Liquor Authority to waive the renewal fees this year in order to provide some relief for these struggling small business owners.” 

During the most recent session of the Erie County Legislature, the Majority Caucus referred Legislator Lorigo’s resolution to the Small Business Committee for further discussion, despite local bar and restaurants owners’ need for immediate assistance.

“These business owners need our help,” Legislator Lorigo added. “I hope my colleagues across the aisle will understand the need to approach this with a sense of urgency. In the meantime, I will continue to fight for bars, restaurants, and small business owners throughout my legislative district and all of Erie County.”

A copy of the resolution can be viewed here.