The New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA) is requiring exhibitors to obtain permits for samplings as well as for the sale or distribution of most beverages containing alcohol.
Exhibitors’ license agreements require submission of permits along with a Plan of Operation. Javits Center recommends beginning the permitting process once show dates are confirmed and events are scheduled by working in conjunction with Centerplate, the Center’s food and beverage partner which holds the liquor license. Centerplate can be reached at (212) 216-2400 or anna.ference@centerplate.com.
Also effective in August and September, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed two bills amending the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. Changes to the New York Senate bills include requiring additional information on original and renewal applications under A3869/S3978, and limiting the ability of the Authority to prosecute contaminated bottle charges against retailers under A7166/S352.
Amending sections 109 and 110 of the ABC Law, A3869/S3978 requires applications to include “a statement indicating the type of establishment to be operated at the premises. Such statement shall indicate the occurrence of topless entertainment and/or exotic dancing whether topless or otherwise, including, but not limited to, pole dancing and lap dancing, at the establishment.” The new law provides that the Authority cannot waive this new item; therefore, every original and renewal application must contain the required statement effective Sept. 29.
Adding one word, “intentionally,” to amend language regarding contaminated bottles of liquor is meant to limit the powers of the State Liquor Authority. Under A7166/S352, which amends section paragraph a of subdivision 2 of section 106, the added language is to prevent the Authority from prosecuting licensees for bottles contaminated with fruit flies and similar substances when there is no evidence that the licensee intentionally contaminated the bottles as stated in the sponsor’s memo. These non-intentional contaminations would, presumably, be dealt with as health code violations by local governmental agencies.
Visit the NYSLA website, www.sla.ny.gov, for licensing information, or contact at (518) 474-3114 (ext. #1) or Licensing.Information@sla.ny.gov.
