N.Y. Econ. Dev. Law § 181-C
The legislature recognizes the importance of the beer brewery industry's economic impact in New York. The history of breweries in New York, especially rich in Buffalo, as well as the re-emergence of breweries and the recent popularity of micro-breweries throughout the state has the potential to add to the state's tourism trade and encourage such small businesses to flourish. It is calculated that breweries directly employ two thousand four hundred seventy-six people, and support sixteen thousand related positions. The industry is responsible for nearly one hundred sixty million dollars in wages, and through direct and support industries supplies New York with six hundred fifteen million dollars in state and local tax revenue. The legislature finds that breweries and micro-breweries currently lack, but would sustain a tourism component. Having a tourism function, the breweries and micro-breweries might expand their business to support increased tours and demand, likely enhancing their already significant economic contribution. It is therefore the intent of this legislature to have created a program which will systematically identify breweries for the inclusion into a brewery trail. It is further the intent of the legislature that these trails be linked thematically, and be construed so as to be easily traveled by tourists and enthusiasts. The legislature seeks the creation of itineraries to aid travelers along brewery trails, which also link together other attractions and venues along such trails in order to entice visitors with a simple and efficient travel plan. Further it is the intent of this legislature to see that these trails are adequately signed so that travelers may independently follow the trail with ease.
N.Y. Economic Development Law § 181-C