
The New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA or SLA) is a three-member board that regulates and controls the manufacture, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages within the state. The board consists of a Chairperson and two Commissioners, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The current commissioner of the SLA is Lily M. Fan, who was nominated by Governor Kathy Hochul and confirmed by the New York State Senate on June 10, 2023. Fan is the first Asian American woman appointed as a Commissioner of the SLA. The SLA issues licenses and permits for the sale of alcoholic beverages and ensures compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. The Licensing Bureau within the SLA coordinates statewide licensing policies and reviews license and permit applications. The Enforcement Bureau investigates possible violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. In addition to the SLA, the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) also operates under the direction of the SLA and includes the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Commissioner | Lily M. Fan |
| Date Appointed | June 10, 2023 |
| Appointed By | Governor Kathy Hochul |
| Confirmed By | New York State Senate |
| Position | First Asian American woman appointed as a Commissioner of the SLA |
| Role | Overseeing the Alcohol Training Awareness Program |
| Powers | Hiring and firing staff, submission of annual reports, budgetary and fiscal matters |
| Deputy Commissioner of Licensing | Maureen Hughes |
| Main Office Address | 80 S. Swan St., Suite 900, Albany, NY 12210 |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (518) 474-3114 |
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What You'll Learn
- The State Liquor Authority (SLA) is led by Lily M. Fan, the first Asian American woman appointed as a Commissioner
- The SLA regulates the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages in New York State
- The SLA issues licenses and permits to manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers
- The SLA works with law enforcement agencies and community groups to ensure compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law
- The SLA's Licensing Bureau coordinates statewide licensing policies, standards, and initiatives

The State Liquor Authority (SLA) is led by Lily M. Fan, the first Asian American woman appointed as a Commissioner
The SLA is a three-member board, consisting of a Chairperson and two Commissioners. The Chairperson acts as the agency administrator and is the only full-time Member of the Authority. The two Commissioners are 'per diem' appointees and are not subject to the same restrictions as the Chairperson. The Members of the Authority have certain statutory powers, including making determinations on applications for licenses and permits and taking disciplinary action against those accused of violating the law.
The SLA regulates the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages in New York State through a tiered system of manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. The Licensing Bureau ensures that all applicants meet the statutory requirements and prepares reports to help the Licensing Board and the Authority Members make proper determinations on each application. The Enforcement Bureau investigates possible violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, which includes rules and regulations relating to the manufacturing, wholesale, retail, transportation, and storage of alcohol.
The SLA also works with law enforcement agencies and community groups across the state and provides training for police departments, licensees, servers, and other beverage industry members on alcohol-related issues. The SLA's Office of Public Affairs fosters positive working relationships with federal, state, and local legislators and community groups.
The SLA's Deputy Commissioner of Licensing is Maureen Hughes, who has worked for the authority since 2004.
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The SLA regulates the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages in New York State
The State Liquor Authority (SLA) is a three-member board that regulates the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages in New York State. The board consists of a Chairperson, who acts as the agency administrator, and two Commissioners, appointed by the Governor with the Senate's advice and consent. The current Chair of the SLA is Lily M. Fan, who was nominated by Governor Kathy Hochul and confirmed by the New York State Senate on June 10, 2023. Ms. Fan is the first Asian American woman appointed as a Commissioner of the SLA.
The SLA is responsible for issuing licenses and permits to manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers of alcoholic beverages. The Licensing Bureau within the SLA coordinates statewide licensing policies, standards, and initiatives and ensures that all applicants meet the statutory requirements. The Wholesale Bureau provides ongoing assistance and guidance to the industry on trade practices and policy issues.
The SLA also works with local law enforcement agencies and communities across the state to ensure compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. The Enforcement Bureau is responsible for investigating possible violations of the law, which includes regulations relating to the manufacturing, wholesale, retail, transportation, and storage of alcohol. The SLA receives complaints from various sources, including law enforcement agencies, governmental agencies, community groups, industry members, and members of the public.
In addition to regulating the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages, the SLA also has the power to impose a moratorium on the issuance of certain types of licenses within the state or a political subdivision. The Members of the Authority, acting as the Full Board, have the statutory power to make determinations on license and permit applications and take disciplinary action against those who violate the ABC Law or the Rules of the Authority. The Hearing Bureau, comprised of part-time administrative law judges, conducts disciplinary proceedings and holds hearings to review Licensing Board decisions.
Obtaining a liquor license in New York State can be a complex process. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including an age requirement of at least 21 years old. It is recommended to work with a real estate agent who specializes in commercial properties for alcohol-selling businesses to navigate the zoning laws and find a compliant space. Applicants must also register their business, obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), and obtain a Sales Tax ID from the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance. Informing the local Community Board of the intent to apply for a liquor license and publishing a notice in a local newspaper are also important steps to build community support and address any concerns.
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The SLA issues licenses and permits to manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers
The New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA or SLA) is a three-member board that regulates and controls the manufacture, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages within the state. The SLA issues licenses and permits to manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. The board consists of a Chairperson, who acts as the agency administrator, and two Commissioners, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The current commissioner of the SLA is Lily M. Fan, the first Asian American woman appointed to the role.
The SLA regulates the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages through a tiered system of three independent components: manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. The Wholesale Bureau provides ongoing assistance and guidance to the industry on trade practices and policy issues. The Licensing Bureau coordinates statewide licensing policies, standards, and initiatives, and ensures that all license or permit applicants meet the statutory requirements.
The SLA's website provides a Public License Query for active licenses in New York State, which can be searched by license number, address, premises, or trade name. The SLA also provides license and permit forms on its website, and applicants can call or email with any questions regarding the process. The SLA's main office is located in Albany, with a second office in Harlem serving several surrounding areas, including Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.
The process of obtaining a liquor license in New York can be complex, and applicants must meet several requirements before submitting their application to the SLA. Applicants must first register their business and obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a Sales Tax ID. They must also inform their local Community Board of their intent to apply for a liquor license and publish a notice in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks. It is recommended that applicants work with a specialized real estate agent to find a compliant space, as finding one can be challenging in NYC due to the city's complex zoning laws.
The SLA also has the power to take disciplinary action against licensees and permit holders accused of violating the ABC Law or the Rules of the Authority. The Hearing Bureau, comprised of part-time administrative law judges, conducts all disciplinary proceedings and holds hearings to review Licensing Board decisions denying licenses.
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The SLA works with law enforcement agencies and community groups to ensure compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law
The State Liquor Authority (SLA) is a three-member board consisting of a Chairperson and two Commissioners, appointed by the Governor of New York with the Senate's consent. The SLA regulates the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages in New York State through a tiered system of manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. The SLA works with law enforcement agencies and community groups to ensure compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law in several ways.
Firstly, the SLA coordinates with law enforcement agencies and community groups across New York State to perform undercover investigations. These investigations help ensure that licensees comply with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law and SLA rules regarding their operations. The SLA also conducts training for police departments, licensees, servers, and other beverage industry members on alcohol-related issues. This training helps to educate relevant parties on the legal requirements and promotes a shared understanding of responsible alcohol practices.
Secondly, the SLA's Licensing Bureau plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. The bureau coordinates statewide licensing policies, standards, and initiatives, ensuring that all license and permit applicants meet the necessary statutory requirements. The staff reviews all applications thoroughly and prepares detailed reports to assist the Licensing Board and the Authority Members in making informed decisions on each application. This process helps prevent non-compliant applicants from obtaining licenses and ensures that only eligible businesses can sell or serve alcohol.
Additionally, the SLA's Enforcement Bureau is specifically responsible for investigating possible violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. This bureau addresses rules and regulations related to manufacturing, wholesale, retail, transportation, and alcohol storage. When potential violations are identified, the SLA collaborates with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and take appropriate enforcement actions. This collaborative effort ensures that illegal activities related to alcoholic beverages are addressed promptly and effectively.
Furthermore, the SLA maintains open lines of communication with various stakeholders, including community groups and their staffs. The Office of Public Affairs fosters positive working relationships with federal, state, and local legislators and community organizations. By engaging in discussions and seeking their input, the SLA ensures that its policies and decisions are aligned with the needs and expectations of the communities they serve. This collaborative approach helps maintain compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law and promotes responsible alcohol practices at the local level.
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The SLA's Licensing Bureau coordinates statewide licensing policies, standards, and initiatives
The State Liquor Authority (SLA) in New York is a three-member board consisting of a Chairperson and two Commissioners, appointed by the Governor with the Senate's consent. The SLA issues licenses for beer and alcohol sales in the state. The Licensing Bureau within the SLA coordinates statewide licensing policies, standards, and initiatives. It ensures that all applicants for licenses or permits meet the statutory requirements.
The Licensing Bureau's staff reviews all license and permit applications and prepares detailed reports to ensure that the Licensing Board or the Authority Members can make a proper determination on each application. The Bureau also handles brand registrations for all alcoholic beverages sold in New York State.
The SLA regulates the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages through a tiered system of three independent components: manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. The Wholesale Bureau provides ongoing assistance and guidance to the industry on trade practices and policy issues. The Enforcement Bureau investigates possible violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, which includes rules and regulations relating to the manufacturing, wholesale, retail, transportation, and storage of alcoholic beverages.
The SLA also receives complaints from law enforcement agencies, government agencies, community groups, industry members, elected officials, and members of the public. Licensees should also report any non-compliance with the ABC Law and SLA rules regarding their operations. The SLA's Office of Public Affairs fosters positive working relationships with federal, state, and local legislators and community groups.
The SLA's Licensing Bureau plays a crucial role in ensuring that all applicants for licenses or permits meet the necessary statutory requirements. By coordinating statewide licensing policies, standards, and initiatives, the Bureau helps maintain compliance with the regulations surrounding the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in New York State.
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Frequently asked questions
The commissioner of alcohol and licensing in NYS is Lily M. Fan, who was nominated by Governor Kathy Hochul and confirmed by the New York State Senate on June 10, 2023.
The commissioner of alcohol and licensing in NYS issues licenses and permits for the sale of alcoholic beverages in the state. The commissioner also regulates and controls the manufacture, sale, and distribution of alcohol within the state, working with local law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.
The NYS Liquor Authority's main office is located at 80 S. Swan St., Suite 900, Albany, NY 12210. You can reach out to them by phone at (518) 474-3114 or by email at [email protected].











































