subject: Obtaining a New York Liquor License: Community Board Q and A [print this page] Obtaining a New York Liquor License: Community Board Q and A
Are Community Boards notified of when the SLA receives applications in
their neighborhoods?
For certain types of establishments, Community Boards are notified before the SLA receives an application. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Law requires that anyone applying for an onpremises license notify their community board of their intention to apply for a New York Liquor License 30 days before filing an application with the State Liquor Authority. Proof of the 30 day notice must be submitted with the application.
The community board may submit an opinion, either in favor of or against granting the license. That opinion will become part of the record used by the SLA in deciding whether to approve the application.
How can I tell what type of establishment is in my neighborhood?
On September 15, 2008, the SLA started issuing new color coded licenses for On Premises (bars, nightclubs, restaurants, etc.) licensees. The licenses are color coded in order to provide an easy way for local government officials, community groups, the NYPD, and the public to know exactly what type of establishments are licensed in their communities. License certificates are color coded depending on the type of establishment: Mixed Use (Purple), Nightclub/Cabaret (Red), Restaurant Wine (Olive), Other (Blue).
The licenses also list details of the "Method of Operation" of the premises including: days and hours of operation, whether live music or dancing is permitted, if the premises includes an outside area, etc. This is part of the SLA's effort to provide more information to communities and local governments.
What are the different types of licenses granted by the SLA?
There are several types of licenses granted by the SLA, the following are the four basic ones issued:
On-Premises New York Liquor License: Generally considered to be the standard "bar" license. Allows onpremises consumption of liquor, wine and beer and also allows for sale of beer (only) for off-premises consumption. Food, such as soups and sandwiches, MUST be served.
Grocery Beer/Wine: Off-premises New York Beer License as listed above, see "Grocery Store Beer". Additionally a "wine product" is defined as a beverage containing wine with added juice, flavoring, water, citric acid, sugar and carbon dioxide, not containing more than six percent alcohol by volume (typically referred to as "wine coolers").
Catering: Allows providers of food for banquet halls, dining halls, etc., to provide liquor, wine and beer for consumption for an assemblage for a particular function (i.e. retirement dinner, wedding reception, private party) to which the general public is not admitted. This license is for this type of function only.
Liquor Store: For the sale of liquor and wine (no beer) for consumption off the premises. The only additional items allowed to be sold, such as ice and corkscrews, are listed in the ABC Law. Only one license is allowed per person (corporation, partnership, etc.).
