500-Foot Law review / hearing: New York City restaurant guide

NYS Liquor Authority

What it is

If a liquor application sits within 500 ft of three or more existing on-premises liquor licensees, the SLA may only grant it after a hearing and an affirmative finding that it is in the public interest.

When a restaurant needs it

Full liquor license within 500 ft of 3+ existing on-premises liquor premises.

How to apply

Handled inside the SLA application — it triggers the hearing automatically; you submit a public-interest statement.

Documents you’ll need

Application package
500-foot establishment list
Public-interest statement

Fee

No separate fee

Processing time

Adds weeks to months

Renewal

None

Who files

Part of the licensee's SLA application, usually prepared by a liquor-license attorney.

Good to know

Applies to liquor (not wine / beer-only) in municipalities of 20,000+. Locations continuously licensed since before November 1, 1993 are grandfathered.

Official source

SLA — 200/500-foot rules (PDF) · SLA quick reference

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.