Important Reminder - File with the SLA for Alcohol Service on City Sidewalks and Roadways

As you may know, The Alliance was instrumental in the passage of a bill in the State Legislature over the summer that allows the State Liquor Authority (SLA) to continue permitting bars and restaurants to serve alcohol in sidewalk and roadway dining areas under the NYC DOT Open Restaurants Program for another year. 

As stated in our previous alert, thanks to the new law, bars and restaurants that wish to continue serving alcohol in sidewalk and roadway dining areas will not have to file a complicated and delay-inducing application with SLA. However, the new law does impose some filing obligations, which states that all bars and restaurants serving alcohol in sidewalk and roadway seating must comply with by October 5.

This means, if you haven't done so already, licensees that wish to continue serving alcohol in sidewalk and roadway dining areas must notify the SLA in the following manner ASAP:

• Send an email to municipalexpansion@sla.ny.gov with your main license serial number in the subject line.* The email should include the following attachments:
• (1) a copy of the municipal permit or other written authorization providing permission to use the municipal property; and
• (2) a block plot diagram showing the municipal property that has been incorporated into your licensed premises.

* Licensees do not need to wait for a response to their email notice.

We encourage you to also refer to the posted guidelines on the State Liquor Authority website. If you have any questions about this guidance, you should speak with your legal advisor.