Obtaining a liquor license in New York State has become increasingly difficult, more complicated, and costly. The process can take up to a year. Mistakes and violations can cause a suspension for 2 years for the premises. Time is money. Delays can negatively affect your bottom line.
We can assist Restaurants, Bars, Nightclubs, Catering Establishments and Liquor Stores with Incorporation and Business Formation, Liquor License applications, New York State Liquor Authority Violations, Commercial Leasing, Trademark Filings, and the Purchase and Sale of Businesses.
We can provide the answers and assistance that are required to successfully:
- obtain a new liquor license
- transfer an existing liquor license to your new company
- transfer an existing liquor license upon sale of a business
- seek approval of managers, including obtaining certificates of relief from disability
- notify the SLA of changes in operation (e.g., hours, days, locations, managers) to amend your application data
We will fully explain all of the procedures. We will explain to our clients what the licensing agency requires and prepare the necessary documents. We will assist you in completing arranging for a bond and fingerprinting. We will assist you in notifying the local community board and properly placing legal notices in designated legal publications. If you desire, we will appear with you if an appearance in front of the community board becomes necessary. We will also explain what requirements trigger a 500 foot hearing at the New York State Liquor Authority. We will also represent you in front of the Liquor Authority Board. We will also advise our clients how to remain in compliance with the relevant rules and laws of the licensing agencies after receiving their license.
Our law firm can provide you with invaluable legal advice and assistance subsequent to your premises receiving summonses from the police department, or violations from the State Liquor Authority or other city and state agencies. We will also strive to prepare you for the future (unannounced and surprise) inspections. You need to be prepared for these surprise inspections. Additional violations could result in a large civil penalty, the loss of a liquor license or even worse - the permanent closure of your premises or business. If you are a landlord, you cannot rent or sell the premises to anyone seeking a liquor license for at least 2 years.
Licensed premises can be issued violations for many reasons, including:
- Health code violations (if liquor bottles contain "fruit flies," mice in the kitchen, no handwashing notices for employees or a lack of paper towels or soap by the sink)
- Fire code violations (not posting the proper signs or if the exit signs are not illuminated)
- illegal activity occurring on the premises even without the owner's knowledge
- selling wine gift bags and gift baskets
In many cases, we can offer results-oriented billing. That is, the amount you pay us depends of the results we obtain for you and/or the expediency we are able to obtain on your behalf. Our firm now offers clients the option of value-based fee agreements in lieu of traditional hourly based billing for many services. Ms. Jong recognizes that businesses need to develop project budgets and often make decisions on a cost-benefit analysis. Hourly billing can make that a difficult task when the legal process is not well understood or outcomes are difficult to predict. She offers an alternative to address this need with fee arrangements that provide a fair fixed or blended fee for services rendered, taking into account the client’s perception of the value of services performed, predictability in legal fees and where appropriate, a sharing of the risk.
Contact Information:
Visit our office at:
Tracy Jong Law Firm
2775 Buffalo Road, Suite 3,
Rochester, NY 14624
(585) 247-9170
Fax: (585) 247-9171
Email:
Tracy Jong:
To speak to a paralegal, call (585)247-9170 or e-mail