Liquor Licenses

Bernstein Redo & Savitsky P.C. is the law firm you want for your liquor license matters.  As recognized leaders in this field, we help hotels, restaurants, bars and lounges, private members clubs, catering facilities, nightclubs, performance centers, and other venues with their licensing requirements.

Bernstein Redo & Savitsky P.C. is intimately familiar with the laws, rules and procedures for obtaining a liquor license as well as the guidelines and policies adopted by the local community boards.  We are hands on throughout the process.  Here are samples of some of the questions we can answer for you:

  • Who can or cannot hold a liquor license
  • What and who must be disclosed on a license application
  • Are there specific requirements for the premises to be licensed
  • Can a license be transferred
  • What if you are within 200 feet of a school or house of worship
  • Can you get temporary permits while an application is pending
  • What is the role of the community board
  • What is the 500 foot law and how does that impact a license application
  • How late will you be able to stay open and serve alcoholic beverages
  • Can you license a rooftop or outdoor space and how difficult is that
  • Can you cater events off site
  • Can you hold a retail license if you have an interest in a liquor wholesaler or manufacturer
  • Is BYOB allowed if you do not have a license, or while your application is pending
  • What if your ownership changes after you are licensed
  • How difficult is it to obtain a license for a liquor store

We have a team of lawyers and legal assistants who collectively have over 50 years experience in this field.  Donald M. Bernstein is a frequent lecturer on liquor licensing at real estate and brokerage companies, at the National Law Institute, and before multiple bar association groups.  He has testified on the subject before the New York State Assembly.

Martha M. Redo and the Bernstein Redo & Savitsky P.C. team has on a number of occasions represented purchasers of national chain restaurants and grocery stores in the transfer of licenses in all fifty states.

Benjamin Savitsky, formerly in house counsel to a New York liquor wholesaler, is an expert in liquor wholesale and importing, as well as retail licensing.