Oneida Times

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, announced today that the state Senate passed legislation he sponsored to ensure that the F.X. Matt Brewing Company in Utica can continue to host the annual Boilermaker Road Race post-race party.

Last year, the state Legislature passed a new law that broadened the hours for beer sales in convenience stores on Sundays but inadvertently repealed the law allowing F.X. Matt Brewing Company to provide free beer during the Boilermaker after-party.

Sen. Griffo raised this issue at the time of passage and voted against that legislation due to its negative impact on the Boilermaker.

In response, Sen. Griffo introduced a bill (S8884-A) to restore this longstanding allowance and ensure that the annual Boilermaker post-race party remains a special event for thousands who gather in Utica on the second Sunday of July.

“The Boilermaker Road Race is an extraordinary event that attracts thousands of people to the City of Utica, Oneida County and the Mohawk Valley,” Sen. Griffo said. “The post-race party – and a cold Utica Club or Saranac beverage – is tradition for many who run or attend this event. This legislation will allow this tradition to continue and the brewery to showcase its products to the local community and visitors from across the state and nation. I appreciate the bipartisan effort in the Senate to bring about a resolution to this issue.”

Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-C-Marcy, has sponsored a companion bill (A9694-A) in the Assembly. That legislation has been referred to the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee.

###