“Walked us through a complicated liquor license transfer for our Brooklyn restaurant. Filed quickly, prepped us for the Community Board, and we opened on schedule.”
Daniel R.Liquor License TransferGoogle
Liquor License Attorney · New York
New York Liquor License Attorneys
Liquor license applications, transfers, Community Board hearings, 500-Foot Hearings, liquor store licensing, and SLA defense throughout New York.
- NYC, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau & Suffolk
- Restaurant, bar, liquor store, and hospitality licensing
- Location eligibility reviews available within 24 hours
- Community Board and SLA hearing representation
Client reviews
Trusted By New York Business Owners
Restaurants, bars, liquor stores, and hospitality operators rely on The James Firm for liquor licensing guidance.
5.0 average · 6 reviews · Source: Google
“We caught a 200-foot issue before signing our lease thanks to their location review. Saved us from a deal that would have collapsed at the SLA.”
Jessica M.Location Eligibility ReviewGoogle
“Represented our Manhattan bar at a 500-Foot Hearing. Clear strategy, well-prepared exhibits, and we got the approval. Highly recommend.”
Marco P.500-Foot HearingGoogle
“Helped us open our Long Island wine shop start to finish — entity formation, lease review, and the SLA application. Responsive every step of the way.”
Priya S.Liquor Store LicensingGoogle
“We had an SLA violation that could have shut us down. They negotiated a sensible resolution and kept us open. Genuinely grateful.”
Alex T.SLA DefenseGoogle
“Professional, thorough, and knew every Community Board in Queens. Our application was approved on the first pass.”
Karen H.Community Board RepresentationGoogle
How we help
Full-service New York liquor licensing counsel
From the first eligibility review through SLA approval and ongoing compliance — for restaurants, bars, nightclubs, hotels, and liquor stores across the State.
Liquor License Applications
We prepare the full SLA application package — ownership and financial disclosures, diagrams, lease documents, certificate of occupancy review, and a method-of-operation tuned to your concept. We respond to examiner deficiencies and shepherd the file through to issuance.
- Ownership & financial disclosures
- Premises diagrams & photographs
- Method-of-operation drafting
- Examiner response & follow-through
Location Eligibility Review
Most fatal problems are visible before a lease is signed. We map 200-Foot Rule disqualifiers, evaluate 500-Foot exposure, confirm zoning and certificate of occupancy, and flag landlord and use-clause issues that would compromise a future license.
- 200-Foot Rule mapping
- 500-Foot Rule analysis
- Zoning & C of O review
- Pre-lease and LOI counsel
Community Board Representation
In NYC every on-premises application goes through the local Community Board. We prepare the principal, build the public-interest presentation, address neighborhood concerns, and negotiate method-of-operation stipulations that are workable for your business.
- Presentation strategy & exhibits
- Neighborhood outreach support
- Stipulation negotiation
- Appearance with the principal
500-Foot Hearings
Where three or more on-premises full liquor licenses already exist within 500 feet, the SLA must hold a public-interest hearing. We assemble the economic, neighborhood, and operational case that justifies issuance and present it at the SLA hearing.
Liquor License Transfers
Asset purchases, stock purchases, and restaurant or liquor-store acquisitions all require careful handling. We structure the transaction, file the transfer, and use temporary retail permits where appropriate to preserve license value during the closing.
- Asset vs. stock structuring
- Temporary retail permits
- Escrow & closing coordination
- Liquor store and restaurant transfers
Liquor Store & Wine Store Licensing
Off-premises licensing carries its own ownership restrictions, distance rules, and retail-compliance regime. We open new liquor and wine stores, handle ownership changes, and advise on day-to-day retail compliance.
- New store openings
- Ownership restrictions & disclosures
- Location distance rules
- Sales, transfers & corporate change
SLA Defense
When the SLA issues a Notice of Pleading, the goal is to keep you open. We respond to violations, negotiate civil penalties, and defend against suspension or revocation through hearings before the Administrative Law Judges and the Members of the Authority.
- Notice of Pleading response
- ALJ hearings & negotiated resolutions
- Suspension & revocation defense
- Compliance counseling
Most location eligibility reviews are completed within 24 hours
Get a clear answer before you sign your lease.
How the process works
From location review to license issuance
A predictable, attorney-managed track that runs in parallel with your build-out.
24 Hours
Step 1
Location & Eligibility Review
Confirm 200-Foot eligibility, 500-Foot exposure, zoning, and certificate of occupancy before you commit to the space.
3–4 Weeks
Step 2
Community Board Strategy
Prepare the principal, build exhibits, and negotiate method-of-operation stipulations for the local board.
4–6 Weeks
Step 3
SLA Application Preparation
Assemble the full application package — ownership, financials, diagrams, lease, and method-of-operation.
Ongoing
Step 4
Filing & Examiner Responses
File with the SLA, respond to examiner deficiencies, and shepherd the file through any 500-Foot Hearing.
Ongoing
Step 5
Approval & Compliance
Receive the license, post properly, and stay ahead of renewal, alteration, and compliance obligations.
Related practice areas
Targeted guides for specific NY liquor licensing matters.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a liquor license in New York?
A temporary permit usually issues in 8–10 weeks. A permanent on-premises license generally takes 24–34 weeks, depending on license type and whether a 500-Foot or Community Board hearing is required.
Do I need a lawyer for a liquor license application?
It is not legally required, but the application package is detailed and an examiner deficiency can cost weeks. An experienced attorney also positions the application correctly at the Community Board and in any 500-Foot Hearing.
What is the 200-Foot Rule?
On-premises full liquor licenses cannot be issued if the entrance to the premises is within 200 feet of the entrance of a school or place of worship, measured along the same street. There are limited exceptions for grandfathered locations.
What is the 500-Foot Rule?
Where three or more on-premises full liquor licenses already exist within 500 feet of the proposed premises in a city of one million or more, the SLA must hold a public-interest hearing before issuing a new license.
Can I transfer an existing liquor license?
Yes, with the SLA's approval. Most deals close on an asset basis with a new license issued to the buyer, often bridged by a temporary retail permit so the business can keep operating during the transition.
Do you handle liquor store licenses?
Yes. We open new liquor and wine stores, handle ownership changes and sales, and advise on retail compliance and ownership restrictions specific to off-premises licensees.
Do you appear before Community Boards?
Yes — across all five boroughs. We prepare the principal, build exhibits, and negotiate method-of-operation stipulations with the SLA committee.
Can you review my location before I sign a lease?
Yes. Pre-lease review is one of the highest-value steps in the entire process. We typically complete a location eligibility review within 24 hours.
What happens if the SLA issues a violation?
The SLA serves a Notice of Pleading. We answer, negotiate civil penalties where appropriate, and defend against suspension or revocation through hearings before the ALJ and the Members of the Authority.
Do you represent clients outside NYC?
Yes. We represent clients across Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk), Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Upstate New York, and we appear before all relevant Community Boards and SLA zone offices.
Speak with a New York liquor license attorney today
Location reviews within 24 hours. Full SLA representation through approval and compliance.