The New York State Liquor Authority announced today that it has taken a number of steps and measures to help liquor license holders and applicants cope with the effects of Hurricane Sandy. Here is a list of those efforts. If you or your clients or contacts have questions about these items, please feel free to contact me.
1. Extension of Renewal Date for Licenses: Any license holder in New York City, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, and Rockland counties whose license is due to be renewed in October or November will automatically receive a 60 day grace period, after the expiration date, during which they may continue to operate.
2. Extension of Retailers' Time to Pay Distributors: Retailers will have an additional 15 business days to submit payment to wholesalers for deliveries made in affected areas.
3. Free License Replacement: The SLA will provide replacement license certificates for those lost or damaged due to Hurricane Sandy free of charge.
4. New Year's Eve Permits: The deadline for applying for New Year's Eve "all night permits" will be extended for licensees in the affected areas, from November 16 to December 1.
5. Conditional Approval Extensions: Any applicant whose license application was conditionally approved during the week of Hurricane Sandy will be granted an additional 60 days to meet the conditions of approval, with further extensions considered upon request. Similarly, conditions of approval for alterations will be extended for an additional 60 days.
6. Temporary Licenses: Businesses currently operating on temporary licenses (temporary retail permits), may request to have these licenses extended for an additional 30 days.
7. Special Event Permits: Upon request, full refunds will be provided for events cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. Permittees seeking to reschedule an event will be issued new permits at no additional cost, regardless of whether the event is moved to a new location.
8. Deficiency Letters: Applicants who filed applications during the week of Hurricane Sandy, or who received a deficiency letter during that time, will have 40 days, rather than the regular 20, to correct the deficiencies.
9. Deferral of Civil Penalties: Licensees owing civil penalties due during the period of October 26 - November 30, are granted an additional 30 day extension from the original due date.
For additional information regarding Hurricane Sandy relief or any other liquor license issue or question, please email me at david.gabay@newyorkrestaurantlawyersblog.com.
Leave a comment