Requires applicants for all-night liquor licenses to notify local community boards of their intent to apply for such licenses

Title of bill

An act to amend the alcoholic beverage control law, in relation to notification to community boards

Purpose or general idea of bill

To establish a law that would require the SLA to notify the local community board when any person licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises applies for a special permit.

Summary of provisions

Amends section 99 of the alcoholic beverage control law by adding a new subdivision to include notice of intent to apply for a permit to the local community board.

Justification

Currently, any person or business licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption may apply to the SLA for a special permit to remain open on any week-day between the hours of 4 a.m. or the closing hour, and 8 a.m. This often takes place during New Years Eve and other holidays. The State Liquor Authority only requires that the application of the intent to apply for this permit be sent to the police precinct. Community Boards are left out of the process.

To ensure that the local community has input in these decisions, and to ensure that the SLA make fair and educated decisions on proposed permits, application notices should be sent to both the local police department and local community board, particularly when the applicant is in close proximity to residential areas. Community Boards have a better sense of local neighborhood issues and the institutional history of local businesses. Boards should be part of this process since they are included when local businesses are applying for the original licensure. The notification would provide an opportunity for the community to comment on local issues while also maintaining its quality of life.

Despite the Governor's explanation for his veto of this legislation in 2015, this bill would not create a duplicative process. Current law recognizes Community Boards need to be included in this process when local business apply for a liquor license. It is just as imperative that they be included in the special permit process as well.

Prior legislative history

2015: S1130-A/A268 (Rozic) Passed Both Houses, Vetoed - Veto Message No. 248/2015; 2014: S6898 Passed Senate / A2593 Referred to Economic Development; 2013: A2593 Referred to Economic Development.

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to all applications under section 99 of the alcoholic beverage control law made after such effective date.