There is good news for business owners wanting to open a restaurant in New York, as the New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA) has recently expanded the eligibility for temporary retail permits. This expansion will allow an applicant to temporarily sell on-premises alcoholic beverages from its restaurant while the actual license application is pending. The permit is usually issued for 90 days, with the possibility of 30 days renewal periods. As far as New York City is concerned, until a few months ago, this permit was only available for businesses purchasing an existing business located within the city.
Now, the NYSLA has extended the eligibility for the temporary retail permit to include brand new businesses, as long as few requirements are met, particularly for the advance notice to be provided to the Community Board when the premises are located within New York City, as well as the 500 Foot Law if applicable (the 500 Foot Rule establishes that when there are already three or more full liquor licenses within 500 feet of a premise, a business can obtain a full liquor license if, according to the New York State Liquor Authority, it is in the public interest for such business to obtain a full liquor license for that location).
Reach out to us if you want to know more about this and to find out if your restaurant is eligible for the new temporary retail permit.