New Application Requirement to Divulge Family Members with Liquor Store Licenses
The Commissioners are now affirmatively asking all new liquor store applicants to state under oath whether they have any family members that also hold liquor store licenses in New York State. The State Liquor Authority (SLA) is addressing concerns about violations of the state laws concerning statutory limits on an individual’s direct and indirect interests in liquor stores. The SLA is also addressing concerns related to illegal aggregated buying by multiple licensees to secure lower wholesale pricing. The SLA has not yet defined “family members” and whether it extends beyond immediate family members is currently unknown. We expect clarification on this issue in the coming months.
Elimination of Street-Level Requirement for Liquor Stores
A Prohibition-era law requiring liquor stores to be located at street level has been repealed. This amendment provides greater flexibility in store location, particularly in urban areas with diverse building structures.
Increased Liquor Store Retail Licenses
Legislation has been introduced to allow individuals to hold up to two retail liquor store licenses, up from the current limit of one. This change aims to support small business expansion and economic development. Legislation passed the State Assembly and State Senate and has been sent to the Governor for approval. It is not clear if the Governor will sign this into law but if she does, this could be effective before the end of 2025.
For more detailed information or assistance with navigating these regulatory updates, please contact Attorney Tracy Jong at Tjong@EvansFox.com.
Tracy Jong is a Senior attorney at Evans Fox LLP with 30 years of experience focusing her practice in business law, intellectual property and licensing for alcohol and cannabis. Tracy Jong is a member of the New York Bar and is a registered attorney at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. She can be reached at Tjong@EvansFox.com.
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