New York Lawyers For Obtaining Retail Liquor License
Understanding New York Liquor License Requirements
If you have a business or other entity in New York that produces, distributes, or sells liquor, state law requires you obtain a liquor license. However, because the state considers it vital to be able to regulate this area of law in a reasonable manner, each locality and county within New York determines a license quota, meaning not everyone applying for a license is granted one. In addition to this, the term of the license is also determined by the various locales, in conjunction with state and federal regulations that may apply. And once your license expires, it will be up to your locale to determine if renewal is an option. Due to these and other complexities, it is important to work with New York lawyers who handle these situations on a regular basis, such as those at Raiser and Kenniff.
Determining Eligibility
To get a liquor license in New York, you must meet certain requirements. These include being age 21 or older, judged to be of sound mind, a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident, and free of criminal convictions. In addition, police officers cannot be granted a liquor license, and if you have had a liquor license revoked within two years of your current application, your request will be denied.
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(212) 300-5196| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
| Age | 21 or older |
| Mental Capacity | Judged to be of sound mind |
| Citizenship Status | U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident |
| Criminal Record | Free of criminal convictions |
| Occupation Restrictions | Police officers cannot be granted a liquor license |
| Prior Revocations | License cannot have been revoked within two years of current application |
Licensing Costs
Depending on the type of establishment you operate, costs for a liquor license in New York can vary greatly. For example, if selling wine in restaurants and hotels, the cost may be less than $500. However, if you are a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, your cost for a license may exceed $6,000. Due to the many variations that come with getting licenses for certain establishments, it is best to rely on the services of an experienced retail liquor license attorney for guidance in these matters.
Todd Spodek
Lead Attorney & Founder
Featured on Netflix's "Inventing Anna," Todd Spodek brings decades of high-stakes criminal defense experience. His aggressive approach has secured dismissals and acquittals in cases others deemed unwinnable.
A restaurant owner in Manhattan has been trying to obtain a retail liquor license for her new fine-dining establishment, but was told by the State Liquor Authority that her area has already reached its quota and no new licenses are available. She has invested over $500,000 in buildout costs and her planned opening date is just six weeks away.
Is there any way to obtain a retail liquor license in New York when the local quota has already been filled?
Under New York Alcoholic Beverage Control Law Section 64, the State Liquor Authority sets quotas for on-premises liquor licenses by locality, but there are several avenues we can explore to get your restaurant licensed. One common strategy is to purchase an existing license from a business that is closing or relocating within the same municipality, which allows a transfer without exceeding the quota. We can also petition the SLA for a hardship exception or explore whether your location qualifies under any economic development exemptions that certain municipalities have adopted. Our firm has extensive experience navigating the SLA application process and can work to expedite your approval so your opening timeline stays on track.
This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.
