Millennials and day drinkers get victory: New York restaurants can now serve alcohol before noon

Day drinkers, millennials who love brunch and early risers in New York rejoice: The state has repealed a law against alcohol sales before noon on Sundays that even Gov. Andrew Cuomo called “archaic.”

In the final week of the legislative session, the New York state legislature amended a law that dated back to the Great Depression had prevented alcohol sales before noon on Sundays. Even New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called the bill “archaic” when he cheered its passage earlier this week.

Although New York City might seem a city where you can have it all, that’s all a cruel lie, as the fine print in this law proves. Alcohol can now be served as early as 10 a.m. But upstate bars and restaurant can serve alcohol as early as 8 a.m. on 12 Sundays a year of their choosing. (hello family holidays?)

The new rules are especially timely: A recent study found that Americans now spend more at restaurants than they do at the grocery store.

The changes affects more than just brunch-goers in New York City, though. According to the Buffalo News, New Yorkers will now be able to stock up on swag at their local liquor store. The new law peels back restrictions on items such as bottle openers, plastic cups and gift wrap and gift bags at alcohol stores.