“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 Help
Need Help With Your Liquor License?
Whether you're opening a new business, purchasing an existing establishment, responding to an SLA issue, or facing licensing delays, The James Firm can help.
- Applications, transfers & renewals
- Corporate changes & alterations
- Temporary permits
- SLA violations & hearings
- Restaurants, bars & nightclubs
- Hotels & hospitality groups
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
What kind of help do you need?
Find your situation
We handle every stage of the liquor license lifecycle — from first application to violation defense a decade later.
I'm opening a new business
Location review, Community Board strategy, and a complete SLA application package built from scratch.
I'm buying an existing business
Asset or stock structuring, temporary retail permit so you can operate at closing, and the permanent transfer through the SLA.
I received an SLA violation
We answer the Notice of Pleading, negotiate a civil penalty where appropriate, and defend against suspension or revocation.
My application is stalled
We diagnose the deficiency, respond to the examiner, and get the file moving again.
I need to change owners or officers
Corporate change filings, true-party-in-interest disclosures, and stockholder updates handled cleanly.
I'm altering my premises
Alteration applications, diagram updates, and Community Board coordination for expansions, patios, and reconfigurations.
I run a liquor or wine store
New store openings, ownership sales, and off-premises retail compliance under the ABC Law.
My license is up for renewal
Renewal filings, disclosure updates, and compliance review before the SLA looks at your file.
Free consultation · No obligation
Not sure what you need? Let's figure it out together.
Who we help
Businesses we represent
Restaurants
Full-service, quick-service, and neighborhood restaurants — on-premises liquor, wine, and beer-and-wine.
Bars & Lounges
On-premises full liquor and tavern licensing, including 500-Foot Hearing representation.
Nightclubs
Cabaret method-of-operation, security plans, and dense-district 500-Foot cases.
Hotels
Hotel on-premises licensing and coordination with catering and event operations.
Hospitality Groups
Multi-location licensing, corporate structuring, and enterprise-wide compliance programs.
Liquor & Wine Stores
New retail openings, ownership changes, distance-rule review, and retail compliance.
SLA violations & hearings
If the SLA has served you, act quickly
Violation matters are governed by strict response deadlines. The sooner we get involved, the more leverage we have.
Sales to Minors
One of the most aggressively prosecuted violations. Early counsel matters.
Method-of-Operation Violations
Operating outside the approved MOP — hours, entertainment, or premises use.
Availability / Disorderly Premises
Complaints that trigger SLA investigation and potential suspension.
Corporate Change Failures
Undisclosed ownership changes are treated seriously by the SLA.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of liquor license help do you offer?
We handle every stage of the liquor license lifecycle: new applications, transfers, temporary permits, corporate changes, alterations, renewals, and defense against SLA violations. If it involves the New York State Liquor Authority, we can help.
I'm not sure exactly what I need — can you still help?
Yes. A free consultation is designed for exactly that situation. We identify the correct filing, the timeline, and the cost so you can make an informed decision.
Can you help if I already filed and I'm stuck?
Yes. We take over stalled applications regularly. The first step is a review of the file and any examiner correspondence to identify the deficiency and the fastest path to resolution.
What if I need to change officers or owners on an existing license?
That is a corporate change filing. Depending on the change, it may require SLA approval before it takes effect. Doing it correctly protects the license from a true-party-in-interest issue later.
Can you help me renew my license?
Yes. Renewals look simple but the SLA uses them as an occasion to review your compliance record. We handle the filing, update disclosures, and address any compliance issues before they become a problem.
Do you help hospitality groups with multiple locations?
Yes. We structure enterprise licensing, coordinate multi-location renewals, and build compliance programs that scale as the group grows.
What happens at an SLA hearing?
SLA violation hearings are held before an Administrative Law Judge. Both sides present evidence, and the ALJ issues a recommended decision to the Members of the Authority. We prepare the evidentiary record and represent you throughout.
Do you help clients outside New York City?
Yes. We represent clients across Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk), Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Upstate New York in matters before every SLA zone office.
How quickly can you get started?
Most consultations are booked within 48 hours. Location eligibility reviews are typically completed in 24 hours once we have the address.
Get liquor license help today
Whatever stage you're at — applying, buying, renewing, or defending — we can help.