Liquor Licensing and Compliance

The sale of alcoholic beverages is one of the most regulated industries in New York State, with many laws dating to the repeal of Prohibition. These sales are the lifeblood of many New York State businesses, particularly in the hospitality and entertainment industries. Any delay or interruption in a company’s ability to sell alcoholic beverages can mean lost revenues and alienated customers.

Whether you seek a liquor license, have been accused of a liquor license violation or are under investigation by the NYS Liquor Authority, the attorneys at Bousquet Holstein can help.

We are prepared to provide federal, state and local licensing and regulatory compliance advice to clients and we assist restaurants, bars, catering and event services and retailers on liquor licensing matters statewide.

To successfully navigate this confusing and ever-changing legal and regulatory landscape often requires the assistance of an experienced liquor license attorney.

We can assist you with matters such as:

  • Liquor license applications
  • Protests and settlement agreements
  • Compliance with alcoholic beverage laws and regulations
  • Liquor license renewals and transfers
  • Liquor board violations
  • Regulatory cases
  • Entitlement cases
  • Enforcement cases
  • Temporary suspension hearings
  • Emergency suspension hearings
  • Probation or Consent Order violations
  • Modifications and termination of disciplinary orders
  • Appeals
  • Defense against administrative or enforcement actions

Need Help Defending Your Liquor License?

We assist clients in the defense of their licenses should they receive a citation for violation of liquor regulations. We can help you with any issue that may impact your right to sell alcohol. We understand that keeping a liquor license can be just as challenging as acquiring one. The most common liquor license violations include:

  • Sale of alcohol to a minor
  • Sale of alcohol to an intoxicated person
  • Maintaining a disorderly premises
  • Sale of alcohol during prohibited hours
  • Gambling
  • Illegal employment of a minor.

These can all initiate an effort by the New York State Liquor Authority to suspend or revoke your business’s liquor license. Our firm will help the legal authorities understand that you have made a good faith effort to correct the problem once you were notified of the violation. We will review all documentation relating to the allegations against you and prepare a defense that will present a strong case to prevent the suspension or revocation of your liquor license.