L I T T L E   I T A L Y
N E I G H B O R S   A S S O C I A T I O N   ( L I N A )


p e n d i n g   b i l l

There yet another bill on Pataki's desk awaiting his signature that will significantly strengthen the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law by:

  • Increasing the number of investigators based on a ratio to the number of license in any given county.  Currently there are fourteen (14) investigators in the NYC office, which covers NYC, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk Counties.  In FY'00 there will be eighteen (18).  It would take these eighteen investigators 2.3 years to visit every establishment with a full on-premises license!
  • Prohibit the offering of unlimited drinks, free drinks, multiple drinks for the price of one, or for a minor price that would attempt to circumvent the law (perhaps there will be no more Midnight to 2 AM "Happy Hours")
  • Create a time limit of 45 days for the SLA to act on an application (grant, deny, ask for more information)
  • Direct the SLA to insure Hearing Officers (ALJ's) are shielded from ex-parte communications (at present the so-called liquor license lawyers and community groups who do not "know the system" are at a distinct disadvantage)
  • Requires the SLA to study and report biennially on issues under their jurisdiction
The Bill is 8636A; same as S05348-A

Pataki's phone numbers:

NYC:     (212) 681-4580

Albany: (518) 474-8390

Pataki's e-mail: gov.pataki@chamber.state.ny.us