Silver, Lentol, Schimminger To Hold Assembly Public Hearing
On Oversaturation Of Licensed Establishments

Lawmakers To Examine State Liquor Authority's Exemption Policy To 500 Ft. Rule

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assembly members Joseph Lentol, chair of the Codes Committee, and Robin Schimminger, chair of the Economic Development, Commerce and Job Creation Committee, will hold a public hearing to examine the impact of alcoholic-beverage-serving businesses, known as "on-premises establishments," on surrounding communities and the SLA's abuse of the public benefit exemption to the 500 foot rule. State law prohibits more than three such establishments existing within 500 feet of each other.

The hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 5 at 250 Broadway, Manhattan. Click here to view the Public Hearing Notice.

Seeking to address concerns raised by residents about the disruptive and sometimes criminal activities taking place at some of these establishments in their neighborhoods, Silver, Lentol and Schimminger will be taking testimony on whether the State Liquor Authority (SLA) has effectively administered the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control Law (ABC).

A key issue the hearing will examine is the oversaturation of these establishments in some communities. It is believed that the SLA's frequent issuance of exemptions to the 500 foot rule may be the root of the problem.

"There are too many instances where neighborhoods are being severely disrupted by a high concentration of establishments that are thumbing their noses at the law. Residents have to endure rowdy behavior, continuous noise and in some cases criminal activity. This is not right. We have to get to the bottom of why there seems to be an end run around the laws meant to protect our citizens by the very agency responsible for regulating this industry," said Silver.

In addition, the forum will examine a growing number of complaints about businesses that are licensed as restaurants, but within a relatively short period of time become entertainment venues that mostly serve just alcoholic beverages.