New York City is one of the most populated cities in the country — and it has a liquor market to match. Currently, the city is home to over 3,800 wine and liquor stores, with plenty of remaining market share.
Before you can start selling wine, beer, or liquor in the Big Apple, you need the proper licensing and permits. How can you get a NYC liquor license? What are the requirements, qualifications, and application steps?
These questions are enough to overwhelm any entrepreneur, so we’re here to help.
This post explains how to get a NYC liquor license. We’ll cover the eligibility requirements, application process, costs, and more.
NYC Liquor License: Who Needs One?
Before we dive into our guide to the steps you need to take to get a NYC liquor license, let’s take a step back and ask an important question: who needs a liquor license in New York City?
The answer is pretty straightforward — if you are opening a liquor store or any establishment that plans to sell or serve alcohol for on-premises or off-premises consumption, you need a liquor license. This includes:
- Bars and nightclubs
- Restaurants serving alcohol
- Liquor stores
- Grocery stores selling beer
- Hotels with bars or mini-bars in rooms
- Breweries, wineries, and distilleries with tasting rooms
- Catering businesses that serve alcohol at events
Even if alcohol sales aren't your primary business, you'll need the appropriate license if you plan to offer it in any capacity.
Related Read: Which States Allow Drive-Through Liquor Stores? [ANSWERED]
The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) has specific requirements for those applying for a liquor license. Before applying for a NYC liquor license, you need to be sure you meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Age requirement: All applicants must be at least 21 years old. This requirement applies to individual owners, partners, officers, directors, and stockholders.
- Clean criminal record: Applicants must have had no felony convictions within the past five years. A past felony doesn't automatically disqualify you, but recent convictions will likely result in a denial.
- Good moral character: The SLA looks for applicants with integrity and honesty. This requirement is somewhat subjective but generally means you should have a reputation for fair dealing and respect for the law.
- Alcohol training: All owners, managers, and servers must complete the Alcohol Training Awareness Program (ATAP). This training ensures that everyone involved in the sale and service of alcohol understands their legal responsibilities.
With these eligibility requirements in mind, we’re ready to dive into the steps you must take to apply for a liquor license in New York City. From choosing the right license type to navigating the application process and dealing with potential community opposition, we'll cover everything you need to know to turn your business dreams into a reality.
Related Read: How To Start a Business in New York in 5 Simple Steps
1. Determine Your License Type
The first step to getting a NYC liquor license is determining what type of license you need for your business. The type of license you need depends on your business model and the kinds of alcoholic beverages you plan to sell. Let's break down the main types of licenses you might need:
- On-premises license: This license is for businesses where customers consume alcohol on-site, such as restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Depending on the specifics of your business and location, the cost for this license can range from $960 to $4,352.
- Off-premises license: If you plan to open a liquor store where customers buy alcohol to consume elsewhere, this is the license for you. The fee for this license is typically around $4,352.
- Wine license: This license allows businesses to sell wine and beer but not spirits. It's often used by restaurants that want to offer wine with meals but don't want to serve hard liquor. The cost for this license is usually around $960.
- Beer license: A beer license is the most basic license, allowing the sale of beer only. It's common for small grocery stores or bodegas. The fee for this license is relatively low, around $150.
Remember, these costs are just for the license itself. Additional fees are involved in the application process, and costs can vary based on your specific circumstances.
Pro Tip: Consult a lawyer specializing in liquor licenses to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements. They can help you navigate the licensing process's complexities and ensure you're applying for the right license for your business model.
2. Ensure Your Location Is Suitable
Next, you need to consider your location and its impact on your liquor licensing process. When it comes to selling alcohol in NYC, where you set up shop is just as important as what you'll sell. There are some specific rules you need to keep in mind:
- The 200-foot rule: If you're applying for an on-premises license, your business can't be within 200 feet of a school or place of worship. This rule doesn't apply to beer and wine licenses, but considering your neighbors when choosing a location is still a good idea.
- Certificate of occupancy: You'll need to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or a Letter of No Objection from the NYC Department of Buildings. This document confirms that your space is suitable for your intended use.
- Zoning regulations: Make sure your chosen location is zoned for alcohol sales. Some neighborhoods have restrictions on where alcohol can be sold.
Pro Tip: Start your location search early, as finding a compliant space can be challenging in NYC. Consider working with a real estate agent who specializes in commercial properties for alcohol-selling businesses. They can help you navigate the city's complex zoning laws and find a spot meeting all the requirements.
Related Read: [GUIDE] How To Start a Liquor Business in 5 Simple Steps
3. Register Your Business
Before applying for your liquor license, you must register your business. First, you need to file for incorporation or register your business with New York State. This step establishes your business as a legal entity.
Next, you must obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Think of this as a Social Security number for your business. You'll need it for tax purposes and to open business bank accounts. You will also need a Sales Tax ID from the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance. This ID allows you to collect and remit sales tax on your alcohol sales.
These steps might seem like a lot of paperwork (and they are), but they're crucial for operating a legal and compliant business in NYC.
Pro Tip: Consult an accountant or business advisor to ensure you're properly registered and have all necessary IDs. They can help you understand your business structure's tax implications and ensure you're set up for success from the start.
4. Notify the Community Board
No business operates in a vacuum. This is doubly true in a highly populated and interwoven community like New York City. As a result, the community around you has a say in whether you get to sell alcohol, so it's important to get them on your side.
First, you must inform your local Community Board of your intent to apply for a liquor license. You must also publish a notice of your liquor license application in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks. This gives the community a chance to voice any concerns they might have.
Pro Tip: Engage with the Community Board early on to address any concerns and build support for your application. Consider attending a Community Board meeting before you even submit your application. These steps show that you're committed to being a responsible business owner and give you a chance to address any potential issues before they become roadblocks.
5. Submit Your Application
Now that you've laid the groundwork, you are ready to submit your application to the New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA).
Start by completing the application form. You'll need to provide information about your business structure, background, and business plans.
Next, gather the required documents. The documents you’ll be required to gather may vary, but some of the documents typically required include:
- Photos of the premises
- A detailed floor plan
- Proof of ATAP (Alcohol Training Awareness Program) completion
- Financial statements
- Lease or deed for your location
Finally, you’ll have to pay the application fees. There are several fees associated with the application process. These can vary depending on the type of license you're applying for, but be prepared for a significant investment, depending on your license type.
Pro Tip: Double-check your application for accuracy and completeness before submitting it to avoid delays. Even small errors or omissions can result in your application being returned, significantly slowing down the process. You may also consider having a legal professional review your application before submission.
6. Attend a Community Board Meeting
Remember when we talked about notifying the Community Board? Now it's time to face them in person. This step is crucial in the application process and can greatly influence the outcome of your application.
You'll likely be asked to present your business plan to the Community Board. This is your chance to show how your business will benefit the community and address any concerns they might have. Be ready to answer questions about noise levels, operating hours, security measures, and how you plan to prevent underage drinking.
Pro Tip: Be proactive in addressing potential issues and demonstrate your commitment to being a responsible business owner. Consider reaching out to other local business owners or community leaders for support. The more you show that you're invested in the community, the better your chances of gaining the board's approval.
7. Wait for NYSLA Approval
Once you’ve completed your applications, attended the meetings, and done all your preparations, you’re ready for the hardest part: waiting.
The NYSLA review process can take several months, and there's not much you can do to speed it up. During this time, keep an eye on your application status. The NYSLA may request additional information or clarification on certain points.
It's tempting to constantly call for updates, but remember that pestering the NYSLA won't speed up the process. Trust that they're working through applications as quickly as they can.
Pro Tip: Stay in touch with the NYSLA and promptly respond to any requests for additional information. If they reach out with questions or for more documentation, respond as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Prompt response times on your end can help prevent further delays in the process.
8. Maintain Compliance and Renew Your License Regularly
Once you’re awarded your license, you may be tempted to think your process is complete! Still, you must remember this is only the beginning. Maintaining compliance and renewing your license are ongoing responsibilities.
Make sure you're always operating within the terms of your license. Adhere to operating hours, maintain proper signage, and follow all regulations regarding the sale and service of alcohol. You must also maintain detailed records of your alcohol purchases and sales. These may be required during inspections or when you renew your license.
Liquor licenses typically need to be renewed every two to three years. Mark your calendar and start the renewal process well before the expiration date to prevent a lapse in licensing and compliance for your business.
Finally, remember that liquor laws can change. Stay up to date with any new regulations or requirements that may affect your business.
Pro Tip: Implement a point of sale system with advanced reporting to make compliance easier. A system like Bottle POS can help you track sales, manage inventory, and generate the reports you need for compliance and renewals.
Beyond the NYC Liquor License: Managing Your Liquor Store
Following these eight steps, you should have all the information you need to start your NYC liquor license application. But remember, getting your liquor license is only the first step in your journey toward managing a successful liquor store.
You need the right tools and technology to get started on the right foot and manage day-to-day operations effectively. A robust point of sale (POS) system is the most important tool in your arsenal. The right POS system serves as the central hub of operations, integrating various aspects of the business into one platform.
A specialized solution like Bottle POS offers distinct advantages for liquor store owners. Designed specifically for the liquor industry, Bottle POS provides features like:
- Advanced reporting and age verification features to ensure compliance with complex liquor laws
- Robust inventory management to optimize stock levels and prevent overages or shortages
- Customer loyalty programs to build a dedicated customer base in a competitive market
These features work together to create a more efficient, compliant, and profitable operation. In a city like New York, where competition is fierce and regulations are strict, having a tool like ours can mark the difference between success and struggle.
If you want to see how Bottle POS can help your NYC liquor store thrive, schedule a demo of our software today.
