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You can get information about liquor license fees and eligibility from the State.

Various licenses and permits are available within two general categories: wholesale and retail.

Online

Visit the New York State Liquor Authority website.

By Phone

  • Agency: New York State Liquor Authority
  • Phone Number: (518) 474-3114
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Off-premises (supermarket or grocery stores) beer sales are permitted at all times. Off-premises (liquor store or retailer) liquor and wine sales are prohibited between midnight and 8 AM, and Sundays between 10 PM and 10 AM.

On-premises (bar or lounge) sales are prohibited on weekdays between 4 AM and 8 AM, and Sundays between 4 AM and 10 AM.

As of April 12, 2022, bars and restaurants may sell wine and/or liquor to-go or for delivery only if it is ordered along with a “substantial food item.”

Substantial food items include sandwiches, soups, salads, wings, hotdogs, or other foods of similar quality and substance. A bag of chips, bowl of nuts, or candy alone are not considered substantial food.

Bars and restaurants may only continue to sell beer, cider, and mead to-go or for delivery without the purchase of a substantial food item. 

Learn more about the Drinks To-Go Law.

Report a Violation

You can report a restaurant or bar selling alcohol (other than beer, cider or mead) to-go or for delivery without the required food purchase.

Obvious efforts to avoid the law, for example an unreasonably small portion of soup, a serving of canned beans, a handful of lettuce, or charging a small extra fee for an alcoholic beverage instead of a food item not actually ordered or delivered, will be treated as a violation of the law.

Send your complaint, including photos, to the State Liquor Authority.

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