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Dec. 12, 2018 By Christian Murray
A bill sponsored by two Queens lawmakers that requires bars and restaurants to notify community boards before they apply for an after-hours liquor license was signed into law last week.
Assembly Member Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) passed legislation earlier this year that requires bars and restaurants to notify their local community board at least 30 days prior to their application for an all-night permit with the State Liquor Authority. The permit allows these establishments to serve alcohol after 4 a.m.
State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) sponsored the bill in the senate, which support. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed it into law last week. The law has gone into effect.
These permits are often sought for early-morning international sporting events or special occasions such as New Year’s parties.
Prior to the new law, bars and restaurants only had to notify the local police precinct when they applied for the all-night liquor license. Community boards were not notified and often didn’t get a say on whether the license should be granted.
“This new law ensures that community boards are given advance notice when a bar or restaurant applies for an all-night permit,” Rozic said in a statement. “Requiring the notice, empowers neighborhood stakeholders to have a voice in the process and allows for a balance between the quality of life and public safety of local residents and business interests.”
Marie Adam-Ovide, the district manager of Community Board 8, welcomed the new law. “We will be [now] be able to make timely recommendations to the SLA.”
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