NYC / New York New Liquor License Applications Lawyers.

Liquor licenses are the lifeblood of almost all bars and restaurants. They are the funding source which keeps these fickle businesses afloat through market downturns and changing tastes in food. However, a liquor license can take a considerable amount of time and energy in order to obtain. The licenses also are at risk of suspension or revocation if an establishment does not follow a number of guidelines. Here are the steps that a business needs to take in order to obtain a liquor license and the many legal pitfalls which could occur along the way. Note that these are general guidelines. Every state has their own rules and regulations surrounding these licenses.

Step 1: Drawing Up a Business Plan

The first step to obtaining a liquor license is to draw up a business plan. The business plan will ensure that the company knows what type of license they should apply for. States often have different levels of licenses which businesses can apply for depending on their business. One example is the "tavern" license, which covers businesses that receive a comparable amount of income from liquor and food. Another is the "soft" versus "hard" liquor license, where "soft" refers to beer and wine and "hard" refers to liquors. "Hard" liquor licenses can be much more difficult to obtain due to the rapid intoxication from high-proof drinks such as whiskey and tequila. There is also the "on-liquor" license versus the "off-liquor" license. This distinction refers to whether or not the purchaser of the liquor drinks it on-site or somewhere else.

Financial Considerations