In the city that never sleeps, running out of alcohol simply isn’t an option. Luckily, a new law in New York is making sure last call doesn’t come early–giving bars and restaurants the green light to snag emergency bottles from nearby liquor stores when they’re in a pinch.
Thanks to a new law from the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) that took effect on Thursday, March 5, your favorite neighborhood spots can now make a quick booze run to local liquor stores when supplies run low–cutting through red tape that once left bartenders empty handed (and customers disappointed).
The law allows bars, restaurants, and other “on-premises” establishments to purchase limited quantities of wine or liquor each week from nearby “off-premises” retailers, like local liquor and wine stores.
Previously, if a bar ran out of a popular spirit mid-service, there was no quick fix–they had to wait for a wholesaler delivery, sometimes costing them sales (and your second round).
Now, it’s a bit more flexible–and a lot more practical. State officials are calling it a win-win: bars and restaurants can keep the drinks flowing, while neighborhood liquor stores get a boost in business.
SLA Chair Lily M. Fan described the change as a “commonsense fix,” noting that New York’s bars and restaurants make up the agency’s largest group of small businesses–and a major driver of the state’s economy.
Here’s how it works:
- Bars, restaurants, and other on-premises establishments can purchase up to six bottles per week of wine or liquor from a liquor or wine store
- Liquor stores are also capped at selling six bottles per week to each business
- Both parties must keep receipts and records of every transaction for SLA inspection
- A “bottle” includes any original sealed package–meaning a 12-pack of canned cocktails counts as one
The change is designed to ease a long-standing pain point for smaller establishments, many of which don’t have the storage space or cash flow to stockpile large amounts of alcohol.
As New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge Association President Sandra Jaquez put it, the update helps “modernize” the state’s decades-old alcohol laws–giving businesses the flexibility to keep serving customers without unnecessary hiccups.
Bottom line: the next time your go-to bar runs low on your favorite drink, there’s a much better chance they can restock it before you even notice.