Overview
Get a License
One of the State Liquor Authority's main functions is issuing licenses and permits. The licensing review process is dependent on the type of application or permit applied for, the current volume of applications, and the completeness and accuracy of the application submitted. Any deficiencies in your application may result in delays or disapproval of your application.
There are four main groups of liquor licenses:
- on-premises licenses (e.g., bars, restaurants, taverns, hotels);
- off-premises licenses (e.g., liquor stores, wine stores, grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores);
- manufacturing licenses (e.g., breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, meaderies); and
- wholesale licenses (e.g., beer wholesalers, wine wholesalers, importers).
Within each group are numerous types of licenses. Each license type has a different set of application requirements.
All on-premises, off-premises, manufacturing and wholesale applications are provided through New York Business Express as fillable forms.
RETAILERS OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK CITY
Get a Temporary Permit
New applicants can apply for a temporary permit to serve alcohol while the license application is being processed. Temporary permits are processed in approximately 30 days, and are valid for 90 days. Temporary permits are available for on-premises licenses and grocery stores outside of New York City.
Get a License
Manufacturers and Wholesalers
Manufacturers can produce alcoholic beverages and wholesale the alcoholic beverages they produce. Wholesalers can sell alcohol at wholesale to New York State licensed wholesalers and retailers.