Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics lawmakers are considering legislation that would extend state liquor licenses for one year at no cost. The bill sponsor, Syracuse Sen. Rachel May, said, “Our restaurants and bars have faced enormous challenges during the pandemic. These businesses are cornerstones of our personal and social lives that need help right now. This is one step we can take to help ease some of their burden after nearly a year of intermittent closures and reduced capacities. ...” The proposal is the latest measure meant to help restaurants and bars during the pandemic. Another bill, introduced in January, by Sen. James Skoufis is intended to bar wholesale alcohol retailers from charging fees of more than $200. The winter has brought a different struggle, with indoor dining returning in New York City in two weeks and at limited capacity elsewhere. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo last week announced indoor dining would return to New York City at 25 percent capacity on February 14, and weddings limited to 50 percent capacity can be held beginning in March. The New York State Restaurant Association cheered those changes. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.