Res. No. 18
Resolution calling on the New York State Assembly to pass A.1534, the New York State Senate to introduce and pass similar legislation, and the Governor to sign such legislation into law, which would require notice to the appropriate community board of any application for a liquor store license in New York City not less than 30 days before submission of such application.
Council Members Richards, Chin, Ferreras-Copeland, Gentile, Koo and Palma.
Whereas, According to a recent New York Daily News article, there are approximately 1,368 wine and liquor stores in New York City, a 14 percent increase from 2010; and
Whereas, The New York State Liquor Authority ("SLA") regulates and controls the manufacturing, sale, distribution of all alcoholic beverages under the New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Law ("ABC Law"); and
Whereas, According to the SLA's 2012 Annual Report, the State Liquor Authority was responsible for the regulation of over 53,000 active licensees; and
Whereas, Specifically, the SLA stringently regulates liquor stores due to their potential to significantly impact communities; and
Whereas, According to the SLA, successful prosecutions of violations for alcohol sales to minors in New York State increased from 1,311 in 2011, to 1,425 in 2012; and
Whereas, A.1534, currently pending in the New York State Assembly, seeks to amend the ABC Law by requiring at least a 30 day notice to the appropriate community board prior to the submission of any application for a liquor store license in New York City; and
Whereas, A.1534 would provide all affected parties the ability to voice their opposition or consent to the proposed business they must notify the local community board to make them aware of the intent to locate a liquor store in their community; and
Whereas, A.1534 would enhance community safeguards by giving community boards sufficient time to review and object, when appropriate, to the over-saturation of liquor stores in neighborhoods; now therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Assembly to pass A.1534, the New York State Senate to introduce and pass similar legislation, and the Governor to sign such legislation into law, which would require notice to the appropriate community board of any application for a liquor store license in New York City not less than 30 days before submission of such application.
WJH
1/15/14
LS 5120