SLA outdoor-area alcohol authorization: New York City restaurant guide

NYS Liquor Authority

What it is

A separate SLA approval to serve alcohol in a sidewalk or roadway cafe: an alteration adding municipal public space to your licensed premises.

When a restaurant needs it

Serving alcohol in an outdoor dining area on public space.

How to apply

File the 'Alteration for Adding or Removing Contiguous and/or Noncontiguous Municipal Public Space' application with the SLA, after sending your Community Board the Standardized Notice Form.

Documents you’ll need

Municipal (DOT) authorization
Updated premises diagram
Photographs
Insurance documentation
Proof of Community Board notice

Fee

No fee

Processing time

At least 30 days after Community Board notice

Renewal

With the base license

Who files

The licensee files, often through its liquor attorney.

Good to know

The SLA cannot act on the application until 30 days after the Community Board notice. Submit all items together in one email to the SLA address listed on the form.

Official source

SLA — adding outdoor dining space · SLA — Community Board notice FAQ

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