Millman Introduces Legislation to Close Liquor License Loophole

June 2, 2008

Brooklyn – Assemblywoman Joan Millman has introduced legislation to close a loophole which allows establishments applying for liquor licenses that are located within 200 feet of a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship to evade the 200 foot rule by moving the entrance of their establishment. The 200 foot rule prevents an establishment from receiving a liquor license from the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) if the entrance to the establishment lies within 200 feet of a school, church, synagogue or other places of worship.

In response to this growing problem, as well as numerous complaints by residents of quiet, residential streets, Assemblywoman Millman has introduced Assembly Bill A.11364. This bill would amend the SLA’s standards in relation to the 200 foot rule between a liquor establishment and a school, church, synagogue or place of worship from measuring between entryways to measuring between the closest property line of the liquor establishment and the entryway of the school, church, synagogue or other place of worship. Too often, a bar simply moves its entryway so that it is compliant with the letter of the law; however, the spirit of this law is to prevent bars from being too close to a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship.

“This change would not cost the state a dime, but it certainly would benefit our neighborhoods immensely,” Millman stated. “I have introduced this bill largely in response to community input that we close this loophole.”

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