FAQ

james linnanQ. What are the minimum requirements for eligibility to hold a license?
A. To be eligible to hold a license, applicants:

  • Must be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident alien status. In some cases, citizens of countries with reciprocal trade agreements may apply;
  • Must be 21 or older;
  • Must not be convicted felons (unless they have a Certificate of Relief from Civil Disabilities); and
  • Cannot be a police officer with arresting powers.

Q. When filing my application, am I required to submit the entire fee?
A. Yes.

Q. Can I qualify for a temporary permit while I wait for my permanent license application to be processed?
A. If the premises are located in a city with a population OVER one million, the following conditions must be satisfied in order to qualify for a Temporary Retail Permit:

  • The premises must have been open and operating with an active license at least 30 days prior to filing the application for the permit.
  • The permit and fee must be filed simultaneously with the Retail License Application (fees are listed on the application).

If the premises are located in a city with a population of UNDER one million, the following conditions must be satisfied in order to qualify for a Temporary Retail Permit:

  • The permit and fee must be filed simultaneously with the Retail License Application (fees are listed on the application).

Q. Are there any restrictions on the location of my premises?
A. Applicants for a liquor store license, wine store license and on-premises license cannot be within 200 feet of a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship. If proposed location is within 500 feet of three or more licensed premises, a public interest hearing will be required.

Q. In what instances will criminal convictions or administrative actions by the SLA disqualify my application?
A. Individuals not eligible for a license include:

  • A person convicted of a felony in NYS, including felony DWI.
  • A person convicted of a crime in another state or federal jurisdiction which would translate to a felony conviction if committed in NYS.
  • A person convicted of misdemeanors under sections 230.20 or 230.40 of the NYS Penal Law or 1146 of the former NYS Penal Law.
  • A revoked license will disqualify the licensee for a period of two years; if the revoked licensee was a corporation any officer or director may also be disqualified.

Note: If an executive pardon or a certificate of relief from disabilities is obtained, the convictions are no longer disqualifying in and of themselves, although all convictions may be considered as part of the total merit of the application.