How to get a Liquor License in New York?

To obtain a liquor license in New York, you must apply through the State Liquor Authority (SLA). The process involves several steps, including understanding the eligibility criteria, notifying your local government or community board, and applying for a temporary retail permit. The review process takes approximately 22-26 weeks for most types of applications, but a temporary permit can be obtained in less than 30 days, allowing businesses to operate while the license application is being processed.

1. Understand the Eligibility Criteria

• Purpose: To ensure you meet the requirements for obtaining a liquor license in New York State.
• Instructions: Review the eligibility criteria for obtaining a temporary retail permit on the SLA website. The criteria vary depending on the type of business and its location. For instance, all applicants for transfer applications statewide, new grocery stores, drug stores, and roadside farm markets outside of NYC are eligible for a Temporary Operating (ST) Permit. More information can be found here.

2. Notify Your Local Government or Community Board

• Purpose: To inform your local government or community board of your intent to apply for a liquor license.
• Instructions: This notification must be made at least 30 days before you submit your application to the SLA. The notification can be made via email, provided your municipality or community board accepts email notifications. If not, you can still notify them by certified mail, overnight delivery service with proof of mailing, or personal service upon the offices of the clerk or community board. The notification must be made using a specific form prescribed by the SLA, which can be downloaded here.

3. Apply for a Temporary Retail Permit

• Purpose: To allow your business to operate while your liquor license application is being processed.
• Instructions: Apply for a temporary retail permit through the SLA. The permit is processed in approximately 30 days and is valid for 90 days. The Temporary Operating Permit Application for Retailers and the Temporary Operating Permit Application for Manufacturers can be downloaded from the SLA website. More information can be found here.

Useful Information Source Links

• State Liquor Authority
• Eligibility for Temporary Retail Permits
• Emailing the Municipal/Community Board 30 Day Advance Notices
• Get a License

FAQs

• How long does it take to get a liquor license in New York State? The review process takes approximately 22-26 weeks for most types of applications. However, a temporary permit can be obtained in less than 30 days, allowing businesses to operate while the license application is being processed.
• What types of businesses are eligible for a Temporary Operating (ST) Permit? All applicants for transfer applications statewide, new grocery stores, drug stores, and roadside farm markets outside of NYC are eligible for an ST permit. For new grocery stores, drug stores, and roadside farm markets within NYC, applicants are now eligible and need to file an ST permit application. More information can be found here.
• How do I notify my local government or community board of my intent to apply for a liquor license? This notification must be made at least 30 days before you submit your application to the SLA. The notification can be made via email, provided your municipality or community board accepts email notifications. If not, you can notify them by certified mail, overnight delivery service with proof of mailing, or personal service upon the offices of the clerk or community board. The notification must be made using a specific form prescribed by the SLA, which can be downloaded here.

Learn more about local food delivery trends and insights:

• Food Delivery Trends And Restaurant Insights