How to Get a Liquor License in NY
♫ Wednesday, June 8th, 2011Obtaining a liquor license is a time-consuming process. Liquor licensing is done by state entities, and each state liquor administration has different names, like the New York State Liquor Authority and the Washington State Liquor Control Board. Although the names are different, they accomplish the same tasks. One of those tasks is processing liquor license applications.
First, you must determine the class of license needed for your establishment. For example, if you operate a restaurant and want to serve just beer and wine, you’ll need a “Restaurant Wine” class liquor license. If you operate a restaurant and bar and want to serve beer, wine and liquor, you’ll need an “On-Premises Liquor” license.
Once you determine your required license classification, you will need to notify the local municipality or community board by sending a 30-day notice to them via certified mail. The notice will not only state that license classification but will also include your intended hours of operation and other general information. After receiving the notice, most Community Boards in New York, will request to see your proposed menu, architectural drawings, and will want further detail regarding your intended operation.
Once the 30-Day Community Board notice period has elapsed, you may than file your liquor license application with the New York State Liquor Authority (“NYSLA”). The application requires the disclosure of a great amount of detail regarding your intended operation and it’s owners, managers, lenders, donors and investors. Additionally, you will be required to submit a Certificate of Occupancy for the Premise (or a letter of no objection from the Department of Buildings), the original certified mailing card, penal bond, photographs of all rooms and the exterior, the lease for the premise, proof of citizenship, diagrams, bank statements, certificate of authority to collect sales tax, workers compensation and disability insurance policies and a proposed menu. If all of the required information and documentation is complete and accurate, and there exists no other reason for rejection, the NYSLA should issue your license within six months.
Fortunately, in September of 2009, the NYSLA approved the implementation of the Attorney Self-Certification Program resulting in approvals in just two weeks. This program allows attorneys filing applications on behalf of applicants to certify that statements and documents provided in an application are true and accurate and that the application meets all statutory requirements. The program has allowed for a more timely review of applications as the agency will rely on the information certified by the Attorney, eliminating the need to review each document submitted.
At The Law Office of Stacy L. Weiss, they give personalized attention to clients with expertise in the areas of Liquor Licensing and Alcoholic Beverage Control Law for all counties in New York State. They can help you obtain a New York State Liquor License or New York State Liquor License Permit anywhere in the State, including, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties. They can also help you with New York State Liquor License violations, closings and hearings.
Obtaining a liquor license in New York State has become increasingly difficult and more complicated. They can provide the answers and assistance that are required to successfully transfer an existing liquor license to your new company or what is required to obtain a new liquor license. They will fully explain all of the procedures including notifying the local community board as well as what is required if an appearance in front of the community board becomes necessary. They will also explain what requirements trigger a 500 foot hearing at the New York State Liquor Authority. They will also represent you in front of the Liquor Authority Board. The goal of their law firm is to provide the highest quality legal services to you and your business in a timely fashion. For more information on New York State Liquor License Laws and The Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws contact the liquor licensing lawyers in New York City at the Law Office of Stacy L. Weiss.
