How to apply for a liquor license in New York City, New York?

Jan 11, 2024 | 3 min read

Applying for a liquor license in New York City, NY, involves several steps and requirements. There are four main types of liquor licenses in New York City, NY: on-premises, off-premises, manufacturing, and wholesale. Retailers can apply for an On-Premises License or an Off-Premises License, while manufacturers or wholesalers can apply for a Manufacturing License or a Wholesale License. To apply, you must meet certain prerequisites such as being over 21, a US citizen or otherwise eligible to hold a license, and may not hold any interest in a wholesale, manufacturing, or importing business. You will need to provide a completed application, all fees, a $1,000 Penal Bond, proof of citizenship, photos of the premises and principals, photo Identification for each principal, lease/deed/management agreement (if applicable), contracts of sale for the real property and/or business (if applicable), investment records, diagrams of the premises, filing receipt, menu, and other required documents. You can apply for these licenses through the New York Business Express and State Liquor Authority website.

In addition to the main licenses, there are various types of permits, including Temporary Operating Permit, Liquidator's Permit, Solicitor Permit, Sunday On-Premises Sales Permit, Wine/Liquor Auction Permit, and others. The fees for these permits vary. For instance, the Temporary Operating Retail Permit Fee for on-premises beer, grocery or drug store applicants is $128, while for all other retail applicants it's $640. For manufacturers, the Temporary Operating Permit Fee is $125. New applicants can also apply for a temporary permit to serve alcohol while the license application is being processed. Temporary permits are processed in approximately 30 days, and are valid for 90 days. You can apply for these permits through the New York State Liquor Authority website.

Please note that the application process and requirements may vary depending on the type of permit you're applying for. If you have questions about the status of your application, you can check the SLA's website or contact them by phone at 518-474-3114 or by email at Licensing.Information@sla.ny.gov. It's important to comply with all the rules and regulations set by the New York State Liquor Authority. Failure to do so may result in penalties or the revocation of your license.

Learn More About New York City

Jan 11, 2024 | 3 min read

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