Community Board Stipulation often provide provisions such as “I will not apply for an alteration to the method of operation or for any physical alterations of any nature without first coming before CB 3”
Document Category: State Liquor Authority (SLA)
Request to Change Method of Operation Form Revised January 2025
In 2025 the SLA modified its form to request a change in the Method of Operations required in allowing the SLA to approve dancing and live music in locations now available for dancing by the NYC zoning change, and seemingly approving surrendering its authority to Community Board stipulations and signalling approving conditions which violate the First Amendment as to Live Music.
Analysis of SLA License Database as of March 15, 2023 as updated.
SLA data shows that Live Music is explicitly or implicitly disallowed in over 9000 of the 11,000 NYC licenses; only 278 licenses allow patron dancing.
New 2024 ABC Amendment Allows Filing of Notice When Filing Application
In 2024, the Alcohol and Beverage Control Law was amended to allow liquor license applicants to provide notice to community boards at the time application is filed with the SLA, easing burden on applicants.
Commission to Study Reform of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law (ABC)
2023 Commission to Study Reform of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law (ABC) – 30 Day Notice Amended
Recent Court Decisions Upholding Liquor Licenses – Senter and Eldridge
Recent Court Decisions Where SLA Defends Approval of Liquor License With Court Documents Files
The New York State Liquor Authority Regulates Live Music and Patron Dancing With Community Boards
The New York State Liquor Authority has acted as the major regulator of dancing and live music in venues offering alcohol using a scheme that Liquor Licenses and a venues Method of Operation must show whether the venue is offering patron dancing and collaborates with Community Boards to restrict dancing and live music. The SLA collaborates with Community Boards in its enforcement.
M.A.R.C.H. Abolished, Creates CURE, and moved from Mayor’s Office to the ONL Under the Department of Small Business Services
On December 28, 2023, Mayor Adams moved the functions of M.A.R.C.H. to the newly moved Office of Nightlife in the Department of Small Business Services. Jeffrey Garcia announced the launch of “Coordinating a United Resolution with Establishments” (CURE) – a new process for NYPD, SBS, and ONL to improve public safety responses to nightlife establishments… Continue reading M.A.R.C.H. Abolished, Creates CURE, and moved from Mayor’s Office to the ONL Under the Department of Small Business Services
May 2023 Coalition Position Paper
Gathered here a citations, references to basic documents, and explanations found in the letter summarizing the need for reform of SLA and Community Board processes concerning dancing and music.
SLA States that Method of Operation Must Include Statement Allowing Dancing
Whenever a Community Board objects to a License Application, for example, to restrict dancing or live music, the SLA’s practices is to require approval by the SLA Board, thereby pressuring license applicants to agrees to excessive and even unconstitutional requirements of Community Boards.