Commerce SLA Applications

All SLA Applicants must be prepared to answer all pertinent questions about their business, ie. The type of business, seating capacity, hours of operation, current fire inspection certification, security, etc, and complete and return the “Commerce Committee SLA Applicant Questionnaire” prior to their meeting with the Commerce Committee.

For new and renewal SLA applications, the applicant and their representative must attend both the Commerce Committee Meeting and the General Board Meeting.

It’s imperative that you meet all of the expected requirements by the Commerce Committee and Community Board 17 to ensure that there are no delays with your SLA application.

All applicants must first be reviewed by the Commerce Committee virtually, and upon the completion of the meeting, the Commerce Committee will issue a recommendation for or against the SLA applicant. If the Commerce Committee votes against the application, the applicant does not move to the General Board. 

The SLA application is then reviewed by the full Board in person. If the Full Board takes a vote and a simple majority is reached in the affirmative, a letter of recommendation is sent to the State Liquor Authority. If the Full Board does not vote in favor of the application, a letter stating that CB17 does not recommend the applicant get a license will be sent to the SLA.

Please be aware that although the State Liquor Authority is the final arbiter of your application, your participation in the Commerce Committee and Community Board 17 process is mandatory for all SLA applicants.

If you have concerns about a local restaurant or bar, please document the situation thoroughly. Submit your complaint through the 311 system, either online or by phone, and/or to the New York State Liquor License Authority.