Before you start

Bond, Form L-9

A bond is a promise from an insurer to the SLA, backed by up to $1,000, that your business will meet its license terms. You do not pay the $1,000. Buy one from a surety or insurance broker licensed in New York that sells the SLA's Form L-9, usually $75 to $275 for the term. Tell the broker the year you expect the license to issue. The bond shows an expiry year: two years after that for a liquor or wine license, three for beer only. Have a principal sign it and put the original in the packet.

Menu

The Authority checks the menu against the food-service requirements.

Check payable to NYS Liquor Authority for the application fees

The fees go in the envelope with the application. Your answers set the amount. The documents page shows the total and what makes it up.

Proof of delivery of the Standardized Notice Form

Shows the municipality or community board got your notice at least 30 days before you file. Keep the mail receipt, tracking record, or signed acknowledgement.

Newspaper Affidavit

Needed before the license issues, not on filing day

The newspaper swears before a notary that it ran your notice of publication. The newspaper gives it to you once the notice has run.

Detailed diagram of all interior rooms on the premises

The Authority needs a diagram of every floor the licensed premises will use, including rooms.

Statement of Area Plan: block and plot diagram

Shows where the premises sits on the block.

Photos of the proposed premises, exterior and interior, including the bar and the kitchen or food preparation area

Shows the Authority what the premises looks like.