New York state eases alcohol sales restrictions for Bills-Jaguars game in London

Looking to grab a drink ahead of Sunday's 9:30 a.m. Buffalo Bills kickoff time? You might be in luck.

Ahead of Buffalo's London-based contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Gov. Kathy Hochul directed New York's liquor authority to extend its deadline for special permits Tuesday, which would allow sports bars and restaurants throughout the state to start serving alcohol as early as 8 a.m.

"With the Buffalo Bills playing across the pond on Sunday morning, I know fans will be gathering for the big game & may fancy a pint," Gov. Hochul announced on social media Tuesday. "I'm directing the State Liquor Authority to extend the deadline for special permits, so sports bars and restaurants can serve as early as 8am."

How bars, restaurants can apply

Establishments throughout the state wishing to partake have until Friday at 3 p.m. to submit their application, along with a municipal notification, municipal waver and $35 permit fee, to specific liquor authority offices.

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Typically, applicants need to notify their local municipality of their intent to apply for the Sunday permit at least 30 days prior to submitting the application. And the applications themselves must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the permit date the entity is applying for.