New York alcohol sellers could seek permits and licenses under revised rules

Licensed sellers may apply for a permit to serve alcohol on January 1 until 8 a.m. It covers holders of retail licenses to serve alcohol for drinking at their premises. The permit costs $51 per day. This provision would take effect 60 days after the act becomes law.

The authority may extend temporary retail permits, and permit holders would follow the laws governing unpaid alcohol debts. These rules apply to holders of temporary retail alcohol permits. The extension fee is $64 for retail beer permits and $96 for other temporary permits. An extension requires the applicable fee and compliance with the section's conditions. Further extensions are at the authority's discretion and require the applicable fee. A temporary permit may last up to 180 days before extensions. The extension rule would take effect immediately if the act becomes law; the debt-law rule would take effect 90 days after that.

The authority may approve some alcohol licenses near other licensed venues after finding that approval serves the public interest. The 500-foot rules cover specified alcohol license types and operating licensed venues in a county with a 2020 census population between 1.6 million and 1.7 million. For one license type, the rule also covers being within 500 feet of one existing venue licensed under that same section. The authority must consult the municipality or community board, hold a hearing, notify the applicant and local representatives, and explain its reasons. It may also hold a public meeting. For certain on-premises licenses within 200 feet of a school or place of worship, the authority may issue a license if the building's owner or administrator supports it. These provisions would take effect immediately if the act becomes law.

The authority would need good cause to disapprove covered new-license or transfer applications. Applications for specified company ownership changes would be deemed approved unless disapproved within 90 days after receipt. The ownership rule covers certain changes in limited liability company members and corporate shareholders, officers, or directors. It excludes officers and directors of club and luncheon club premises. The good-cause standard applies to decisions on new licenses and transfers under sections 63 and 79. An ownership-change application must be filed before the change, with a $128 fee paid at filing. Both provisions would take effect immediately if the act becomes law.