New Law Requires State Liquor Authority to Make Liquor License Stipulations Publicly Available on Online Database, Increasing Transparency for Community Residents, Small Business and Local Law Enforcement

NEW YORK—The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) has begun publicly sharing liquor license stipulations through an online database, complying with a new law passed by Senator Brad Hoylman (D/WF-Manhattan) and Assembly Member Deborah J. Glick (D-Manhattan). The bill (S55 /A4315), which passed both houses of the New York State Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Cuomo on October 4, 2019, requires the SLA to create and maintain a public database of information specific to on-premises liquor licenses.

Senator Hoylman said: “For years, residents and small businesses have called for increased transparency for the nearly 12,000 SLA licenses held by restaurants and bars in New York City. Up until now, that information was only available through a FOIL request, which made it virtually impossible for the public and even local law enforcement to learn the details of SLA licenses. Now, thanks to our new law and the cooperation of the State Liquor Authority, New York is making SLA licenses accessible to everyone. This is basic, good government reform that we were able to accomplish thanks to the efforts of my Senate colleagues, my legislative partner Assembly Member Glick, Governor Cuomo and the community leaders who made their voices heard.”

Assembly Member Glick said: “Community members deserve to know what stipulations are put on SLA licensees in their neighborhood. Before this new law took effect, this information was nearly out of reach. With no access to this basic information, community members were often unable to hold neighboring establishments accountable for ignoring the agreed upon stipulations of their liquor license. I am grateful that my partnership with Senator Hoylman and community leaders has brought this information within reach, and I encourage everyone to review the stipulations attached to their local establishments.”

Carter Booth, Chair of Manhattan Community Board 2 said: “This legislation is a first step for increased transparency to information the SLA already has on file for licensed establishments. Having direct access to stipulations will help resolve quality of life issues that arise among residents, restaurants, bars and clubs in a fair and balanced manner. Thank you Senator Hoylman and Assembly Member Glick for your hard work and for listening to the community on this issue.”

Susan Stetzer, District Manager of Manhattan Community Board 3 said: “Community Board 3 is extremely happy and appreciative that, after years of requests, liquor license stipulations are now available for all on the SLA website. It will make work much easier for community boards, precincts, and residents who need to understand if their problems can be resolved by stipulation enforcement. This is great progress in transparency but also will enable us all, including SLA staff, to work smarter with information immediately available at all times.”

Information about liquor licenses is being publicly released through New York State’s data portal, data.ny.gov. Click here to view the full dataset.