New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08547

Introduced
5/20/25  
Refer
5/20/25  

Caption

Relates to off premise retail license holders; increases the number of licenses authorized under section 63 of the alcoholic beverage control law from one to two licenses.

Summary

This bill amends the New York Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to allow a person to hold up to two off-premise retail licenses under section 63, instead of the current limit of one. Off-premise retail licenses generally cover businesses that sell alcoholic beverages for consumption elsewhere, such as liquor stores or similar retail outlets. The bill is a narrow licensing change focused on ownership limits rather than broader alcohol regulation. By raising the cap from one license to two, the bill would expand the ability of an individual or entity to operate multiple off-premise retail locations under the same statutory provision. The change would take effect immediately upon enactment and would directly affect license applicants, existing license holders, and the State Liquor Authority’s licensing administration under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.

Impact

The bill would amend subdivision 5 of section 63 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to change the maximum number of licenses that may be granted to one person from one to two. This would loosen a statutory restriction on off-premise retail alcohol licensing and could permit greater consolidation or multi-location ownership in the retail alcohol market. The practical effect would be on applicants, current licensees seeking expansion, and the State Liquor Authority’s review of license eligibility and ownership limits.

Sentiment

There is limited recorded discussion or voting history available for this bill, so no strong public sentiment can be inferred from committee debate or floor votes. Based on the text alone, the bill appears to be a targeted business-friendly licensing adjustment rather than a controversial policy overhaul. The absence of transcripts or votes suggests the measure has not yet generated a documented public record of support or opposition in the materials provided.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is whether allowing one person to hold two off-premise retail licenses would promote healthy competition and business growth or instead encourage market concentration and reduce local ownership opportunities. Supporters would likely view the change as a modest modernization that gives retailers more flexibility, while critics may worry about increased chain ownership, reduced small-business opportunities, or greater control of alcohol retail by fewer operators. No specific stakeholder positions are documented in the provided materials.

Companion Bills

NY S07909

Same As Relates to off premise retail license holders; increases the number of licenses authorized under section 63 of the alcoholic beverage control law from one to two licenses.

Previously Filed As

NY S07909

Relates to off premise retail license holders; increases the number of licenses authorized under section 63 of the alcoholic beverage control law from one to two licenses.

NY A07464

Permits on-premises retail licensees to purchase wine and liquor from off-premises retail licensees and off-premises retail licensees to purchase wine and liquor from on-premises retail licensees.

NY S00409

Permits on-premises retail licensees to purchase wine and liquor from off-premises retail licensees and off-premises retail licensees to purchase wine and liquor from on-premises retail licensees.

NY S09516

Relates to the exemption of certain parcels of land from the licensing restrictions prohibiting manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of alcoholic beverages from sharing an interest in a licensed premises.

NY A10890

Relates to the exemption of certain parcels of land from the licensing restrictions prohibiting manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of alcoholic beverages from sharing an interest in a licensed premises.

NY S08282

Authorizes retail licensees of liquor and/or wine for off-premises consumption to apply for licensure as a retail food store.

NY S09273

Exempts certain parcels of land from licensing restrictions prohibiting manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of alcoholic beverages from sharing an interest in a licensed premises and from selling at retail for consumption on and off the premises.

NY A10620

Exempts certain parcels of land from licensing restrictions prohibiting manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of alcoholic beverages from sharing an interest in a licensed premises and from selling at retail for consumption on and off the premises.

NY S09317

Exempts certain parcels of land from licensing restrictions prohibiting manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of alcoholic beverages from sharing an interest in a licensed premises and from selling at retail for consumption off the premises.

NY A10500

Exempts certain parcels of land from licensing restrictions prohibiting manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of alcoholic beverages from sharing an interest in a licensed premises and from selling at retail for consumption on the premises.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.