How to Get a Bartending License in New York

To get a bartending license in New York, you need to apply for an On-Premises License through the New York State Liquor Authority. This license allows you to sell and serve alcohol by the glass for consumption on the premises. You are also required to sell food at all hours of operation. The review process for the license application takes approximately 22-26 weeks. However, you can apply for a temporary retail operating permit that allows you to start your business sooner, typically in less than 30 days.

1. Apply for an On-Premises License

• Purpose: This license allows you to sell and serve alcohol by the glass for consumption on the premises. All on-premises licensees are required to sell food at all hours of operation.
• Instructions: You can apply for this license through the New York Business Express website here. You will need to provide a completed application, all fees, a $1,000.00 Penal Bond, proof of citizenship, photos of the premises and principal employees, photo identification for each principal employee, and several other documents.

2. Apply for a Temporary Retail Operating Permit

• Purpose: This permit allows many applicants to be open and operating for alcoholic beverage sales typically in less than 30 days.
• Instructions: You can apply for this permit here.

3. Enroll in a Certified ATAP School

• Purpose: To get a bartending license in New York State, you can enroll in one of the Certified ATAP (Alcohol Training Awareness Program) Schools.
• Estimated Cost: The cost of the program varies depending on the school or program.
• Instructions: You can contact the schools directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Some options include 1-800-BARTEND, ABC BARTENDING SCHOOL / 40 HOUR PROGRAM, A+ Server Education, Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association, and NYS Restaurant Association Education Foundation.

FAQs

• What is the review process for the license application? The review process for the license application currently takes approximately 22-26 weeks.
• What are the requirements for an On-Premises License? You need to sell food at all hours of operation. If applying for a restaurant, you must have a kitchen and full menu. If applying for a tavern, you must at least have a food preparation area and menu satisfying the Authority’s minimum food requirement.
• Can I operate my business while my application is pending? Yes, under certain circumstances, an applicant can obtain a permit to operate while their application is pending. The application for a temporary operating permit should be filed with the application for the license, or anytime thereafter.
• What are the restrictions on the location of my business? The ABC Law prohibits certain licenses from being issued if the location is on the same street and within 200 feet of a building that is used exclusively as a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship. There's also a “500 Foot Law” that restricts approval of on-premises retail licenses if the location is within a 500 foot radius of three or more establishments that are currently operating with on-premises liquor licenses.

Useful Information Source Links

• New York Business Express
• New York State Liquor Authority
• Certified ATAP Schools

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