What is the process for obtaining a liquor license in New York City and what are the requirements that must be met?

The process for obtaining a liquor license in New York City involves several steps and requirements that must be met.

Step 1: Determine the type of liquor license needed

There are several types of liquor licenses available in New York City, such as on-premise licenses for bars and restaurants, off-premise licenses for liquor stores, and caterer’s licenses. The applicant must determine which type of license they need before starting the application process.

Step 2: Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

All liquor license applicants must obtain an FEIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number is used to identify the business for tax purposes and must be obtained before the application process.

Step 3: Obtain a Certificate of Authority

Before applying for a liquor license, the business must obtain a Certificate of Authority from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. This certificate proves that the business is registered and authorized to collect sales tax.

Step 4: Complete the liquor license application

The liquor license application must be completed thoroughly and accurately. It includes information about the business structure, ownership, and management, as well as details about the location and type of liquor license being sought. The application requires a non-refundable application fee.

Step 5: Submit the application

The completed application, along with all required documents and fees, must be mailed or hand-delivered to the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA). The SLA will review the application and conduct a background investigation into the applicant(s).

Step 6: Attend a public hearing

Depending on the type of liquor license being sought, the applicant may be required to attend a public hearing before the SLA. The hearing allows the community to voice any concerns about the applicant and the proposed location of the liquor license.

Step 7: Obtain approval

If the liquor license application is approved by the SLA, the applicant must pay a license fee and obtain the actual license.

There are several requirements that must be met in order to obtain a liquor license in New York City. These include:

• The applicant(s) must be at least 21 years old and have no prior felony convictions.
• The proposed location of the liquor license must meet certain zoning requirements and cannot be located near schools, places of worship, or other areas deemed inappropriate by the SLA.
• The applicant(s) must provide proof of liability insurance.
• The business must comply with all state and local health, safety, and building codes.

It is important to note that the liquor license application process can be lengthy and complex, and there may be exceptions and limitations based on the specific circumstances. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants hire an experienced attorney to help navigate the application process and provide legal advice.