New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08477

Introduced
8/15/25  
Refer
8/15/25  

Caption

Relates to the provision of on-premises alcohol consumption licenses; provides such licenses may be provided if the owner or administrator of a school, church, or other place of worship affirmatively provides support for the issuance of such license and such license would have been denied only for the proximity to such buildings.

Impact

The bill potentially broadens the opportunities for businesses, particularly in smaller cities where population sizes do not exceed one million, to secure licenses for on-premises alcohol consumption. This may lead to increased economic activity in those areas, allowing establishments like restaurants and bars to thrive in locations previously deemed off-limits under the conventional regulations. By modifying the existing laws, it will better align them with the interests of local stakeholders who support such establishments.

Summary

Bill S08477 introduces amendments to the alcoholic beverage control law regarding the provision of on-premises alcohol consumption licenses. Specifically, it allows for the issuance of such licenses near schools, churches, and places of worship if the administrative authority of these institutions provides explicit support for the license while ensuring certain population size restrictions are adhered to regarding city locations. This change is aimed at enhancing the availability of licenses for venues that would otherwise be restricted due to their proximity to sensitive locations.

Contention

Notable points of contention around this bill may arise regarding public safety concerns and community standards. Opponents could argue that allowing alcohol consumption licenses in close proximity to schools and places of worship could contribute to adverse social behaviors or community dissent. Advocates, on the other hand, may emphasize the necessity of local endorsement as a critical factor that mitigates potential risks associated with alcohol access near these establishments. The discussion is likely to center on the balance between economic development and community values, shedding light on differing perspectives in the legislative discourse.

Companion Bills

NY A09079

Same As Relates to the provision of on-premises alcohol consumption licenses; provides such licenses may be provided if the owner or administrator of a school, church, or other place of worship affirmatively provides support for the issuance of such license and such license would have been denied only for the proximity to such buildings.

Previously Filed As

NY A09079

Relates to the provision of on-premises alcohol consumption licenses; provides such licenses may be provided if the owner or administrator of a school, church, or other place of worship affirmatively provides support for the issuance of such license and such license would have been denied only for the proximity to such buildings.

NY A10416

Relates to the effectiveness of provisions of law relating to the powers of the chairman and members of the state liquor authority (Part A); authorizes special permits to remain open during certain hours of the morning (Part B); permits certain retail licensees to purchase wine and liquor from certain other retail licensees (Part C); relates to permissible sales by license holders (Part D); allows multiple off-premises licenses (Part E); relates to licensing restrictions for manufacturers and wholesalers of alcoholic beverages and retail licensees (Part F); relates to the approval of seven day licenses to sell liquor at retail for consumption off the premises (Part G); adjusts licensing fees regarding certain alcoholic beverages (Part H); relates to changes of ownership of a licensed business (Part I); relates to the issuance of temporary retail permits; makes permanent certain provisions relating to liquidator's permits and temporary retail permits (Part J); establishes a temporary wholesale permit and allows multiple wholesale licenses owned by the same person or entity to be located at the same premises (Part K); relates to licenses issued for on-premises consumption within a certain distance of a building occupied as a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship with consent of such building's owner or administrator (Part L); permits licenses for premises located within five hundred feet of other premises outside of certain counties (Part M).

NY A01328

Establishes supermarket wine licenses to sell from the licensed premises wine in sealed containers for consumption off such premises.

NY S01279

Establishes supermarket wine licenses to sell from the licensed premises wine in sealed containers for consumption off such premises.

NY A08639

Allows the state liquor authority to issue a retail license for on-premises consumption for a premises which shall be located within two hundred feet of a building occupied as a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship.

NY S08315

Allows the state liquor authority to issue a retail license for on-premises consumption for a premises which shall be located within two hundred feet of a building occupied as a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship.

NY A08418

Allows the state liquor authority to issue a retail license for on-premises consumption for a premises which shall be located within two hundred feet of a building occupied as a church, synagogue or other place of worship.

NY S08314

Allows the state liquor authority to issue a retail license for on-premises consumption for a premises which shall be located within two hundred feet of a building occupied as a church, synagogue or other place of worship.

NY A07040

Authorizes private membership establishments to have certain licenses for sale of alcohol for consumption on premises.

NY S00652

Authorizes private membership establishments to have certain licenses for sale of alcohol for consumption on premises.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.