Albany SLA Law Blog

The New York SLA has a very active task force out in your community.  The task force is operateing State wide. The  investigators DO NOT announce themselves when they enter a licensed premises.  They blend in with the crowd, order a drink and watch you and your customers.  If you are following ALL the rules, or at least doing your best to get your customers to follow the guide lines, the investigator may announce themselves and advise you what they have observed.  If your employees are not wearing an appropriate mask, if your customers are not practicing proper social distancing, if your customers are being served alcohol without food, you will get a citation.

If the SLA believes you have committed a flagrant violation, a summary suspension will be imposed before you even receive your Notice of Violation.  That's right, your license will be suspended and then you are notified what violations you have been charged with.  Now, you are closed and you can start trying to get your license back.

At the September 30, 2020 board meeting there were 72 penalties imposed by the board for a total of $569,750.  Of the 72 penalties, approximately 80% were for Covid 19 related violations.  Penalties for Covid related violations ranged from $1,000 to $40,000 during that meeting.

TRAIN YOUR EMPLOYEES HOW TO FOLLOW AND ENFORCE THE RULES.

A MASK HANGING FROM AN EAR DOES NOT COUNT. PULLING DOWN YOUR MASK TO TALK DOES NOT WORK.  PUT THE DAMN MASK ON OVER MOUTH & NOSE AND LEAVE IT ON.

TRAIN YOUR EMPLOYEES HOW TO DEAL WITH CUSTOMERS WHO DON'T WANT TO WEAR A MASK OR SOCIAL DISTANCE. 

DON'T SERVE ALCOHOL WITHOUT FOOD.

If you receive a violation, give Jim a call.  518-449-5400