County Executive Ryan Joins Executives from the Mid-Hudson Region in Calling on the State Liquor Authority to Extend Restaurant Hours

Posted February 10, 2021

The change would assist restaurants owners, workers, and the local economy struggling from COVID-19 during the slower winter months 

Only 1.4 percent of COVID-19 cases were attributed to restaurants and bars

KINGSTON, N.Y. - County Executive Pat Ryan today joined County Executives in the seven counties that make up the Mid-Hudson Region to call upon the New York State Liquor Authority to permit restaurants to be open an additional two hours. Currently, in order to comply with the 10 p.m. curfew restriction, restaurants must stop seating patrons at 8:30 p.m. The adjusted hours will be a benefit to restaurants struggling during the traditionally slower winter months and restaurant workers. Only 1.4 percent of COVID-19 cases have been attributed to restaurants and bars. 

“The data shows that if restaurants and patrons take necessary precautions they can operate in a safe way,”  said Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan. “Under normal circumstances, the winter months are the most challenging for our local restaurants. This common sense adjustment will help our restaurant owners, their many employees, and our local economy.”

“The Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce applauds County Executive Pat Ryan for his efforts on behalf of the many restaurants in Ulster County who are being impacted by the current early closing time,” said President of the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce Ward Todd. “These restaurants and their staff have suffered immeasurably this past year and now is not the time to cause them additional hardship. We join County Executive Ryan and the other Hudson Valley Executives in asking Governor Cuomo to support this request in a timely manner.”

In December, Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan announced the expansion of the County’s Resilience Economic Plan for small businesses, including a collaboration that has more than doubled the capacity of the County’s Economic Development team. The expanded capacity, which will enable a 24-hour or less response time for business needs, is created through a partnership with the Mid-Hudson New York Small Business Development Center and the Ulster RESPOND team. For one-on-one business support call the Office of Economic Development at 845-340-3556 or email oed[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us. 

###