How to Get a Liquor License in NYC

Opening a bar, restaurant, nightclub, or any establishment that serves alcohol in New York City requires a liquor license issued by the New York State Liquor Authority, commonly known as the SLA. The licensing process is one of the most complex and time-consuming regulatory hurdles facing business owners in the city. Applications can take months to process, require extensive documentation, and involve public notification requirements, community board review, and strict compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.

This guide walks you through every step of obtaining a liquor license in New York City, from choosing the right license type to submitting your application and navigating the approval process. Whether you are opening a new restaurant (see our NYC LLC publication guide if forming a new business entity), purchasing an existing bar, or adding alcohol service to an existing business, understanding the process upfront will save you time, money, and frustration.

Types of Liquor Licenses in New York

The first step in the liquor licensing process is determining which type of license your business needs. The SLA issues several categories of licenses, each with different privileges and restrictions. The most common license types for NYC establishments are as follows.

On-Premises Liquor License

This is the most comprehensive license and allows the sale of all types of alcoholic beverages, including liquor, wine, and beer, for consumption on the premises. This license is required for full-service bars, restaurants that serve cocktails and spirits, nightclubs, and most hospitality establishments. The on-premises liquor license is the most sought-after and competitive license type.

Restaurant Wine License

This license permits the sale of wine and beer only, without spirits, for on-premises consumption. It is available only to establishments where food service is the primary business. The restaurant wine license is generally easier to obtain and less expensive than a full liquor license, making it a popular choice for cafes, bistros, and casual dining establishments that do not need to serve cocktails.

Beer and Wine License

Similar to the restaurant wine license, this permits the sale of beer and wine only. It may be available to a broader range of establishments depending on the specific license classification.

Tavern Wine License

This license allows the sale of wine and beer in a tavern setting where food service may not be the primary business. It is less commonly used than the restaurant wine license.

Off-Premises License (Retail)

This license is for retail stores such as liquor stores and wine shops that sell packaged alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. New York has strict rules about who can hold a retail liquor store license, including a requirement that the licensee be a natural person or a corporation of which each stockholder is a natural person.

Catering Establishment License

This license allows catering halls and event venues to serve alcoholic beverages. It is specifically designed for establishments whose primary business is hosting events and functions.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for a liquor license in New York, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. All applicants must be at least twenty-one years of age. All principals, including officers, directors, managers, and anyone with a financial interest of ten percent or more in the business, must disclose their identities and pass a character review. Applicants with certain criminal convictions may be denied a license, though each case is evaluated individually. The premises must comply with all local zoning regulations and building codes. Additionally, the premises must not be located within two hundred feet of a school or place of worship on the same street, unless the SLA grants a special exception.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure and Secure the Premises

Before applying for a liquor license, your business entity must be formed. Most restaurants and bars in NYC operate as a limited liability company or corporation. The entity must be registered with the New York Department of State. You will also need a signed lease for the premises where alcohol will be served. The lease must permit the use of the premises for the sale of alcoholic beverages, and the landlord may need to provide a letter of consent.

Step 2: Determine the Correct License Type

Based on your business concept, choose the appropriate license category. If you plan to serve full spirits and cocktails, you need an on-premises liquor license. If you will only serve beer and wine with food, a restaurant wine license may be sufficient and will be faster and less expensive to obtain.

Step 3: Complete the SLA Application

The SLA application is a comprehensive document that requires detailed information about the business, its owners, the premises, and the proposed operation. Key components include the completed application form with personal history information for all principals, fingerprinting for all principals through an SLA-approved vendor, a diagram and floor plan of the premises showing the bar area, dining area, and all entrances and exits, a copy of the signed lease, a certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy, a menu if applying for a restaurant license, proof of workers' compensation and disability insurance, and the application fee.

Step 4: Post the Public Notice

New York law requires applicants to post a notice at the proposed premises informing the public of the pending liquor license application. This notice must be posted for a minimum of thirty days. The specific posting requirements include the type of license being sought, the name and address of the applicant, and the address of the proposed premises. Additionally, for on-premises liquor licenses in New York City, the applicant must notify the local community board at least thirty days before the SLA takes action on the application.

Step 5: Community Board Review

In New York City, the local community board plays an advisory role in the liquor licensing process. After receiving notification of the application, the community board may hold a hearing and vote to either support or oppose the application. While the community board's recommendation is advisory and not binding, the SLA gives significant weight to community board input. Appearing before the community board with your attorney and presenting a professional, well-prepared case can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.

Step 6: SLA Review and Approval

Once the application is complete and the public notice and community board requirements have been satisfied, the SLA will review the application. The review includes a background check on all principals, verification of the premises and zoning compliance, evaluation of any community board recommendations, and assessment of the impact on the neighborhood. The SLA may approve the license, deny the application, or request additional information or modifications.

Step 7: Obtain Your License and Begin Operations

Upon approval, the SLA will issue your liquor license. You must display the license prominently at the premises. Before opening, ensure you are in full compliance with all conditions attached to the license, including hours of operation, food service requirements, and any stipulations agreed to during the community board process.

Application Fees and Costs

License Type	SLA Filing Fee
On-Premises Liquor License	$4,352
Restaurant Wine License	$1,086
Beer and Wine License	$320 to $640
Off-Premises Liquor Store	$4,352
Catering Establishment	$4,352

In addition to the SLA filing fee, budget for attorney fees, which typically range from three thousand to seven thousand dollars or more depending on the complexity of the application. Other costs include fingerprinting fees, architectural drawings or floor plans, insurance premiums, and any costs associated with community board appearances.

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

The timeline for obtaining a liquor license in NYC varies depending on the license type, the complexity of the application, and whether any objections are raised during the community board process. A restaurant wine license can sometimes be processed in sixty to ninety days. An on-premises liquor license typically takes three to six months, and in some cases longer if there are community board objections, incomplete documentation, or other complications.

The SLA does offer a temporary retail permit that allows certain applicants to begin serving alcohol while their full license application is pending. This temporary permit is not available to all applicants and has specific eligibility requirements. Ask your attorney whether you may qualify for a temporary permit to begin generating revenue sooner.

Maintaining Your Liquor License: Ongoing Compliance

Obtaining your liquor license is only the first step. The SLA requires ongoing compliance with numerous regulations throughout the life of your license. Licenses must be renewed every three years for on-premises licenses and every two years for retail off-premises licenses. The renewal process requires the licensee to be in good standing with no unresolved violations or complaints.

Common compliance obligations include adhering to the hours of operation specified in your license and any stipulations agreed to with the community board. You must maintain your certificate of occupancy in current status. Food service requirements must be met if applicable to your license type. All employees who serve alcohol must complete any required training programs. The licensed premises may not be altered without SLA approval if the alteration changes the layout of the bar area, dining area, or entrances. Advertising and signage must comply with SLA regulations, and the licensed premises is subject to inspection by the SLA at any time without prior notice.

Violations of SLA regulations can result in administrative charges, fines, suspension of the license, or in serious cases, revocation. Common violations include serving alcohol to minors, serving visibly intoxicated persons, exceeding permitted hours of operation, and failure to maintain food service as required by the license type. Working with an attorney to establish compliance policies and train staff on SLA requirements can help avoid costly violations that put your license at risk.

Common Reasons for Denial

Understanding why applications are denied can help you avoid common pitfalls. The most frequent reasons for denial include proximity to a school or house of worship within the two-hundred-foot restriction, incomplete or inaccurate application information, criminal history of a principal that raises character and fitness concerns, strong community opposition communicated through the community board, zoning violations or lack of a proper certificate of occupancy, and failure to comply with public notice requirements.

Purchasing a Business with an Existing Liquor License

If you are purchasing an existing bar or restaurant that holds a liquor license, the license does not transfer automatically with the sale of the business. You must submit a new application to the SLA for a corporate change or transfer of the license. This process involves many of the same requirements as a new application, including background checks on the new principals and community board notification. However, it can sometimes be processed more quickly because the premises have already been licensed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Agarunov Law Firm Helps with Liquor Licensing

Agarunov Law Firm assists business owners throughout New York City and New Jersey with all aspects of the liquor licensing process. Our licensing attorneys handle SLA application preparation and filing, determination of the appropriate license type for your business concept, community board preparation and appearances, addressing proximity restrictions and zoning issues, license transfers and corporate changes for business acquisitions, and ongoing compliance counseling. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your licensing needs and get your business on the path to approval.