ALBANY – Small makers of spirits, cider, and mead can now ship directly to consumers as permitted by a piece of New York State legislation signed this week by the governor.

The new law expands market access for small craft producers by allowing shipment of alcoholic beverages directly to consumers within New York State and across state lines – a measure initially started at the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic to help craft manufacturers survive the economic downturn .

Currently six liquor licenses are issued in Chenango County under the categories of farm brewer, winery, farm winery, and micro farm winery, according to the website data.ny.gov. New York State is home to the largest number of craft cideries in the nation and ranks second in the U.S. for the number of distilleries.

Proponents argue that the new legislation will allow small producers to reach new markets and spur economic growth in the state, commonly an area where they have been at a competitive disadvantage.