Hoylman Passes Legislation Requiring at Least One Member of the State Liquor Authority to be a Resident of New York City

ALBANY, NY - Senator Brad Hoylman (D/WF-Manhattan) released the following statement in response to the passage of S1847 through the State Senate. The legislation would require at least one member of the state liquor authority appointed by the governor to be a resident of New York City.

Senator Hoylman said: “New York City is responsible for more than half the liquor licenses granted across the state. It is a matter of basic fairness and equity that at least one commissioner of the State Liquor Authority reside here. Given the complexities of granting licenses in a way that meets the needs of establishments as well as the interests of five boroughs, 59 community districts, and hundreds of neighborhoods, New York City residents deserve a seat at the table when these important decisions are made.  I’m grateful to my Senate colleagues for their swift passage and for the support of my Assembly co-sponsor, Deborah Glick.“

The SLA, which consists of three Governor-appointed Commissioners, is responsible for regulating the manufacture and distribution of alcoholic beverages throughout the entire state. While more than half of the state’s 3,147 approved on-premises license applications in 2015 originated in New York City, there are no laws ensuring that the 8.5 million residents of New York City are represented on the Board.

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