BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — You can no longer just "grab a drink" in New York State.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday any alcoholic beverage purchase must be accompanied by food. Bars and restaurants in the Buffalo area are getting creative.
Lafayette Brewing and Distilling Company has come out with a $1 menu.
"We came out with the dollar menu to put people in a good mood," said Chris Turner of Lafayette Brewing Co.
But that original menu doesn't fall in the Governor's parameters. The state says the food must be a sufficient serving for all in the party. One cracker or one piece of cheese doesn't cut it.
"We will be coming out with a new menu within the hour," Turner said.
Over at Hamburg Brewing Company, a Facebook post gathered a lot of attention. The company saying it was selling "dum dum" suckers for a penny, but it has since replaced that food item with crackers.
"The rules change not only daily but hourly," said John Cimperman, owner of 42 North Brewing in East Aurora.
Cimperman says his tap keepers are now switching their roles, becoming servers as everyone must be seated.
"If you come to 42 North, we will be coming to you wherever you are seated."
The Governor's Office says this is all put in place to reduce the amount of mingling that has been happening at bars.
