NYS Liquor Authority Update
- November 25, 2020
The night before Thanksgiving has always been a popular night to go out and celebrate with friends and family. As we all know, 2020 will be quite different so it is important to know what to expect as both a patron and a bar and/or restaurant owner.
Below is the lasted update from the New York State Liquor Authority. Contact Jessica J. Glass with any questions you may have.
License Holder,
10 P.M. Curfew for Bars, Restaurants and Liquor Stores – Effective November 13, 2020
We are writing to thank you for remaining vigilant in complying with the important COVID-related public health requirements, and to remind and reaffirm to you that pursuant to Executive Order 202.74, effective Friday, November 13, 2020, New York State has imposed a new, statewide 10:00 PM curfew related to food and beverage service due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ON PREMISES SERVICE: All licensees with on-premises privileges (e.g. restaurants, taverns, clubs, catering halls, manufacturers with tasting rooms, etc.), must cease all on premises service (indoors or outdoors) of food and beverage at or before 10:00 PM daily. All such licensees must also ensure no consumption of food and beverage (indoors or outdoors) after 10:00 PM and that no patron remains in or enters into any interior portion of your premises at or after 10:00 PM. Licensees with on premises privileges may still provide food and non-alcoholic beverages for curbside or take-out window pickup or for delivery after 10:00 PM. Alcoholic beverages may not be sold for pick up or delivery at or after 10:00 PM, daily. No patrons should be at a licensed premise after 10:00 PM for any reason other than to pick up food or non-alcoholic beverages, and then only from an exterior point on the premises. Businesses may reopen for on premises service at 5:00 AM daily, and may resume alcohol sales based on the hours in the county where they operate, or the hours stipulated under the approved license – whichever is later. See county opening hours here.
LIQUOR AND WINE STORES: Additionally, all liquor stores and wine stores must cease all off-premises sales (including delivery and pickup) and close by 10:00 PM daily. Liquor and wine stores operating in counties where the county has restricted the closing hours earlier than 10:00 PM. must continue to abide by these further restrictions. See county closing and opening hours here.
The SLA has created guidance, in addition to a list of frequently asked questions that can be found here. Additionally, licensees with questions are encouraged to reach out to the SLA at web.master@sla.ny.gov
HOT SPOT ZONES: Please finally note that various areas throughout the state are subject to additional restrictions based on the micro-cluster strategy for restrictions. For more information on the restrictions and to find out if your establishment is in a Cluster Zone, please check the New York Forward page here.
Please enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season.
Regards,
New York State Liquor Authority