Adding Space as Part of the Dining Out NYC Program
If you are planning to serve alcohol in an outdoor space as part of NYC’s Dining Out NYC program you will need to update your liquor license to add this space to your license. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Obtain a License or written authorization from NYC DOT
- You must first obtain a license or written authorization from the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Dining Out NYC program. This approval allows you to serve food in the outdoor space and to apply with the SLA through an alteration application to add this space.
Step 2: Notify Your Community Board
- Before the SLA can review your application, you must notify your local Community Board at least 30 days in advance. The “Standardized Notice Form” used to notify your Community Board is included in the municipal alteration application.
- Applicants are permitted to apply for a license and notify their municipality at the same time. After the municipality is notified, the SLA will not act on an application for 30 days to allow time for municipal input in the licensing process. Municipal notification must not be made more than 270 days from the date of application. Instructions for emailing the proof of notice can be found here.
Step 3: Apply to the SLA
- Once you have the DOT Conditional Approval or permit and have notified your Community Board, submit an Alteration for adding or removing contiguous and/or noncontiguous Municipal Public Space (including all required attachments) to the SLA to add the outdoor space to your license.
- If you already have DOT Conditional Approval as of April 2, 2025, you must submit your application to SLA within 60 days of that date.
- Follow the step-by-step process outlined here.
Step 4: Stop Serving if Approval Is Revoked
- If your DOT Conditional Approval or final approval is later rejected, suspended, or revoked, you must immediately stop serving alcohol in the outdoor space and follow the above process to remove the outdoor space from your license.