N.Y. Economic Development Law § 181-e*2: General functions, powers and duties of the commissioner

* § 181-e. General functions, powers and duties of the commissioner.

1. The commissioner shall develop and implement an "I love NY beer"

promotion program. The commissioner, in conjunction with the

commissioner of the department of transportation and any local

government official or entity, shall identify a series of breweries to

be part of a brewery trail. No fewer than two brewery trails should be

identified for the purposes of the program, and the commissioner shall

work to ensure an adequate representation of breweries throughout New

York state. In identifying specific breweries to be included on a

brewery trail, special consideration shall be given to those trails,

which can be geographically or thematically linked by surrounding arts,

cultural, historical, entertainment or other tourism destinations or

exhibits of interest to tourists. Criteria for developing and approving

such trails shall include:

(a) that the trail contain a sufficient number of breweries and

micro-breweries to cost-effectively attract patrons to such trail's

participating members,

(b) that the trail incorporate considerations that maximize patronage

of such trail,

(c) that proposed trail routes do not conflict with or significantly

overlap with existing wine trails designated pursuant to section three

hundred forty-three-k of the highway law,

(d) that the trail designations are neither redundant nor cover themes

or subjects or have names that have already been used by trails

designated in statute,

(e) that the trail route is designed and laid out so that it is

relatively simple and easy to follow for patrons.

2. The commissioner shall cause to be developed vacation itineraries

based on specific brewery trails, which shall identify for visitors

surrounding attractions, restaurants, farms, lodging and other exhibits

or places of entertainment as may be a part of the theme linking the

breweries on the brewery trail.

3. The commissioner shall work to develop discount packages for such

brewery trails, which may include the development of a brewery passport.

4. Nothing shall preclude the commissioner from contracting with an

independent vacation or travel package company to help develop vacation

packages along a brewery trail. The commissioner of the department of

transportation shall cooperate with the department in carrying out the

provisions of this section. The commissioner of the department of

transportation is authorized to permit the installation and maintenance

of signs on the state highway system for trails designated pursuant to

this section. However, to avoid confusion and to limit any possible

disruption of commerce, the trail designations called for pursuant to

this section shall be of a ceremonial nature and the official names of

such highways shall not be changed as a result of such designations.

* NB There are 2 § 181-e's