
05/24/2025
Opening a new liquor store in New York State is a complex process involving regulatory scrutiny, community input, and significant legal and financial planning. Below is a comprehensive, practitioner-level overview for prospective applicants, including key steps, common pitfalls, and critical lease issues. This information is designed for those considering engaging legal counsel to guide them through the process.
The Licensing Process: What to Expect When Opening A New Liquor Store In New York
1. Understanding the “Public Convenience and Advantage” Standard
New York’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Law requires that new liquor store licenses be issued only if the applicant can prove the store will serve the “public convenience and advantage.” The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) will assess:
- Whether the area is already adequately served by existing liquor stores.
- Gross sales trends at the four nearest stores (the SLA will request this data).
Opening a new liquor store in New York State is a complex process involving regulatory scrutiny, community input, and significant legal and financial planning.