With bars and nightclubs closed and the rhythms of daily life upended by the coronavirus, Bottle stores have been deemed ‘essential’ retail in the state of New York. Bars and nightclubs, however, are closed.
From Sunday 22 March, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s ‘New York State on Pause’ plan, requires residents to stay at home ‘to the maximum extent possible’. Non-essential travel has been banned and all businesses will have to close if they do not fit specific criteria.
‘This is the most drastic action we can take,’ Cuomo said at a briefing at the state capitol. New York now has the highest number of confirmed cases in the nation. As Friday 20 March, New York state has more than 7,200 confirmed cases.
The state’s list of essential retail includes ‘grocery stores including all food and beverage stores’ along with pharmacies, convenience stores, farmer’s markets, gas stations, restaurants/bars (for home delivery), hardware and building material stores.
Craft beer breweries and cideries will remain open under the temporary rules in effect until 15 April 2020. For the first time, beer can be delivered to people’s homes in New York.