New York welcomes boozy brunches by scrapping Prohibition-era drinking law

Lawmakers are getting into high 'spirits'

Brunch is a popular activity amongst New Yorkers

Sunday morning brunches are best with a cocktail.

New York lawmakers have rolled back a Prohibition-era law which forbids the sale of alcohol on Sunday mornings in a bid to make the beverage industry more competitive.

Approved by governor Andrew Cuomo, bars, taverns and restaurants will be able to sell alcoholic drinks from 10am.

The former Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, imposed 80 years ago, stated that alcohol could not be sold until midday on a Sunday.

Governor Cuomo called it an “archaic blue law” which imposed restrictions on certain activities during what is described as “the day of rest”.

Senate majority leader John Flanagan said in a statement: “There was broad consensus between the Governor and Legislature that New York's blue laws were outdated and in need of reform, specifically the provision which barred those enjoying brunch from purchasing an alcoholic beverage before noon on Sunday.”

The law is good news for the nearly 900 wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries in the state.

There will also be permits up for grabs which will enable certain outlets to sell drinks from 8am in areas outside New York City.

Microbreweries - popular in part thanks to "hipster" neighbourhoods like Williamsburg in Brooklyn - have grown by 263 per cent in the past six years, from 40 in 2010 to 145 in 2016.

New Yorkers purchasing wine as housewarming or dinner party gifts will soon be able to pick up the wrapping paper and cards at the same time, as the agreement will allow liquor stores to sell gift wrapping and gift bags to customers.