Running or working at a licensed business that sells alcohol in New York comes with many rules. Whether you’re a business owner or employee, it’s important to follow state alcohol laws to avoid fines, license issues, or other penalties. Below are answers to some of the most common alcohol compliance questions based on New York law.
How old do you have to be to serve alcohol?
You must be at least 18 years old to serve, sell, or handle alcoholic drinks at a bar or restaurant. This includes taking orders, bringing drinks to tables, or working behind the bar.
People under 18 can work in non-serving roles like busboy or dishwasher, but only if supervised by someone who is 21 or older.
Can someone under 18 work as a cashier in a store that sells alcohol?
Yes. Grocery stores with a beer license can hire a person under 18 to work as a cashier. But they must be directly supervised by someone who is 18 or older while handling beer or wine product sales.
What’s required to host a teen night?
If your bar, club, or other venue wants to hold a teen night (where people under 21 are allowed), you must notify the New York State Liquor Authority in writing at least 10 days before the event. Alcohol cannot be sold or served at the event.
What counts as legal ID to buy alcohol in New York?
Acceptable proof of age includes:
- A valid driver’s license or non-driver ID from any U.S. state, federal agency, D.C., or Canada
- A U.S. or foreign passport
- A U.S. military ID
Student IDs and work badges do not count as valid ID but can help confirm identity alongside an approved form of ID.
Can a restaurant deliver beer with food?
Yes. A bar or restaurant with the right license can deliver beer with a food order. The order must be taken at the business, either in person, by phone, or by fax. This rule applies only to beer.
Can someone with a felony conviction work in a bar?
It depends. Felons can work at grocery stores, liquor stores, or restaurants that have an on-premises license. But they cannot work at certain other licensed businesses unless:
- They get a certificate of good conduct or other legal relief
- The business gets written approval from the State Liquor Authority
Can stores accept returns of alcohol?
Liquor and grocery stores can choose to accept unopened returns, but they don’t have to. It’s up to the business.
Do stores have to accept empty bottles that weren’t bought there?
Yes. If the store sells that brand or type of beverage, they must accept the empty bottles or cans for redemption, even if the customer didn’t buy them there.
What should I do if a bar is too noisy?
If a bar near you is causing problems with loud noise or disorderly behavior, contact the local police while it’s happening. You can also file a complaint with the New York State Liquor Authority by phone, email, letter, or in person. Write down the date, time, and what happened to help document the problem.
Can a customer bring their own alcohol into a restaurant?
Yes, if the restaurant agrees. The customer must remove any leftover alcohol when they leave. The business can also charge a corkage fee for serving alcohol brought in from outside.
How old do you have to be to buy non-alcoholic beer?
There is no age requirement. These drinks have less than 0.5% alcohol and are not considered alcoholic beverages under New York law.
What’s the law on unlimited drink offers?
Bars and restaurants cannot offer unlimited drinks for a fixed price during a set time (like “$20 open bar”). That includes promotions that try to get around the rule. However, happy hour specials, 2-for-1 deals, or half-price drinks are allowed, as long as the price doesn’t drop below half the regular price.
Private events like weddings or banquets are not affected by this law.
Are football pools or dice games allowed in bars?
No. Gambling is not allowed in businesses with a liquor license, even if it’s casual or just for fun. The only exceptions are:
- State-licensed lottery tickets
- Bingo or games of chance approved by the State Racing and Wagering Board
Does New York offer bartender training?
The State Liquor Authority does not train servers directly. However, they approve certain schools and trainers to teach alcohol awareness programs. These programs help bartenders and staff understand alcohol laws and how to spot fake IDs.
Can liquor stores sell wine online or ship to other states?
Yes, but there are rules:
Out of State:
A wine or liquor store can sell and ship alcohol to other states if the other state allows it and the shipment follows their laws. The delivery must be made by a licensed trucking company.
Online Sales:
Stores in New York can take online orders. They can ship within the state or allow customers to pick up at the store. Deliveries can be made by foot, company vehicle, or a licensed delivery service.
Need Help with Liquor Licensing or Compliance in NYC?
If you’re a business owner in New York City dealing with liquor laws, Rodriguez Law is here to help. We guide clients through compliance issues, applications, and enforcement problems. Call (212) 960-3305 to schedule a consultation today.