The repeal came about with a deal between New York governor Andrew Cuomo—who called the bill “archaic”—and a number of legislative leaders. The new law allows for restaurants to serve alcohol on Sundays starting at 10 AM. While establishments were no doubt already doing so before this legislation, it is now officially sanctioned. Furthermore, on a self-selected 12 Sundays out of the year, likely holidays such as Mother’s Day, or on Sundays when European sports are shown in bars, alcohol can be served starting at 8 AM.

 

The measure is part of a push by the government to help strengthen businesses such as restaurants, bars, breweries, and wineries. The bill comes alongside other measures, such as the allowance of the sale of wine growlers, looser restrictions, and less paperwork for craft manufacturers, and the authorization of gift-wrapped alcohol from stores. So grab a gift wrapped growler of champagne and head to your local Sunday to send off the weekend!