New amendments in the New York State budget look to keep welfare recipients from spending their government money on alcohol, gambling, or at strip clubs. The new rules will go into effect at the end of May, and will prohibit gaming facilities, liquor stores, and adult entertainment venues from accepting electronic benefit transfers, or EBTs, from public assistance recipients. The law that is currently in place prohibits welfare recipients from cashing their welfare checks. The new laws will call for a $50 penalty for a first offense at a liquor store or adult venue, and a possible suspension of a liquor license for a second offense. Gaming establishments will also be subject to monetary fines, along with possible misdemeanor charges after multiple offenses.
