Nuances of Obtaining Liquor License in NY

Registering for a liquor license in New York State might look easy, but it's going to get tough, especially if you don't know the basics. The application process begins with choosing the location of your company in New York because it can have an effect on your license request. A NY-based company selling alcoholic drinks must be situated 200 meters away from schools and religious establishments. 

You must also consider that a license for on-site liquor consumption can be issued for any premises within 500 feet of 3 or more existing premises licensed and operating on-site liquor licenses. The NY State Liquor Authority may relax this rule if it decides that the license will be "in the public interest" after reviewing with the local Community Board and conducting a public hearing popularly referred to as the "500-Foot Hearing."

In addition, only qualified applicants can obtain a license for New York State liquor. Personal credentials to qualify are: 

• You must be at least 21 years of age; 
• You must be a resident of the United States with no felony histories. 

Please bear in mind that a felony DWI and some out-of-state prosecutions may bar your application. 

Apart from the above, the New York City community boards must also, be notified of your plan to apply for a liquor license within 30 days of submitting your application. The applicant is also required to print a notice in a newspaper once every week for two consecutive weeks after the application has been filed. 

Knowing what kind of liquor license your company wants will also alter the application process. Here's a list of licenses you can apply for through the NY State Liquor Authority:

• On-premise selling retail license
• Liquor/wine store license
• Beer & wine product license (store)
• Special event permit

While all of this might seem simple to execute, the application process can take almost a year to process at NY State Liquor Authority without the guidance and support of an experienced NY attorney.

The James Firm is an NYC Law Firm assisting businesses to obtain liquor licenses so that they can build their companies. To know more, visit us The James Firm.