We’ll lift a pint to this.
Gov. Cuomo today shot down a state health panel’s sobering proposals to increase taxes on booze, slash the number of new bars and liquor stores and limit the hours of gin joints.
“The governor doesn’t support raising this tax, or the other measures,” said state Health Department spokesman Bill Schwarz.
The rejection from Cuomo’s office came hours after The Post reported that the New York State Health and Health Planning Council was pushing the drastic proposal in its five-year “Prevention Agenda” for 2013-2017.
But State Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav Shah will request that the anti-booze provisions be dropped from the panel’s plan during a scheduled vote on Thursday because they are “contrary” to Cuomo’s position.
Bar patrons yesterday said they were happy the recommendations were going down the drain.
“It’s insane!” said Michael Clancy, 41, an executive chef who quaffed a pint of stout Spikehill Bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
“It seems like they’re feeding off small businesses all the time. I don’t think it would work for them to reduce the amount of alcohol people will drink. Look at the prohibition period.”
The Distilled Spirits Council said the proposals were “completely out of line” with Cuomo’s campaign to promote New York’s breweries, wineries and distilleries.
Scott Wexler of the Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association praised Cuomo for taking a “ measured” and “sober” approach to health policy.
The Scrooge-like recommendations were also DOA in the state Legislature.
“It’s not a time to raise taxes,” said Deputy Senate Majority Leader Tom Libous (R-Binghamton).