Governor Cuomo and the State Liquor Authority provided additional guidance on Thursday, July 23rd, 2020, on the new law that mandates food be served with an alcoholic drink. According to Cuomo, the food must be “substantial” and chips do not fit that description.

The State Liquor Authority made clear that foods such as salads, wings, a dessert, sandwiches, hot dogs or full meals would work, but a bag of chips or pretzels is not enough.

“As a restaurant or bar owner, in determining whether a particular item is substantial enough, please keep in mind the purpose of this policy: to ensure that patrons are enjoying a sit-down dining experience among a small group with drinks, and not a drinking, bar-type experience,” read the new guidance from the State Liquor Authority.