Beer Ice-Cream Bill

Passes State Senate

Seward, Magee Collaborate On

Sherburne Entrepreneurs’ Idea

ALBANY – State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Oneonta, today announced Senate approval of a law he sponsored to allow the sale of ice cream made with beer and hard cider.

He was acting on the suggestion of a Chenango County business, the Gilligan’s Island ice cream parlor in Sherburne that already makes 30 flavors of ice cream, and has created beer and hard-cider flavors.

“Farmers and brewers already enjoy a great relationship and this legislation will clear the way for a new product that will capitalize on homegrown New York ingredients,” said Seward, who noted dairy and craft beer representatives have visited the Senate in recent weeks to share ideas for the future.

The sale of wine ice cream is already legal, so Seward’s bill is expanding an already-approved idea to beer or hard cider.

Gilligan’s Island is ready to start making the ice cream as soon as the bill passes the Assembly – Assemblyman Bill Magee has already reported it out of committee – and is signed by the governor.

“I will continue to work with our ag businesses to ensure the dairy industry and other farming interests are able to flourish – and that includes clearing the way for new, innovative products,” added Seward.