Can you take alcohol out of a restaurant in NYC?
Asked by: Eddie Weissnat | Last update: March 31, 2025Score: 5/5 (69 votes)
Under New York's current law, customers must buy a “substantial food item” in order to also purchase liquor or wine to go from a bar or restaurant — and they can't sell full bottles of liquor. The cocktail or glass of wine must also be sealed in some way, such as with a lid or a cap.
Can you take a bottle out of a restaurant?
Again, nearly universally, the answer is "yes". With most states requiring a tamper proof bag, and some recommending it. To be safe and protect everyone from liability, a tamper proof bag is a good idea regardless. Do you need to have had a meal, or a receipt, with you?
Can you take wine home from restaurant NYC?
- In New York City, the law says no.
- I know this because there was this big thing about restaurants failing.
- Also, the law said that if a customer ordered delivery, alcoholic beverages could not be included.
- There is an open container law in NYC.
Can you take a drink from a restaurant?
In the USA: the law forbids you from bringing any alcohol to a licensed establishment that that establishment cannot serve. Virtually ALL establishments forbid customers from bringing in outside alcohol even if the establishment serves the same item, but that isn't the law, it's the rules of that establishment.
What are the alcohol laws in New York City?
Sale of Alcoholic Beverages
Off-premises (liquor store or retailer) liquor and wine sales are prohibited between midnight and 8 AM, and Sundays between 10 PM and 10 AM. On-premises (bar or lounge) sales are prohibited on weekdays between 4 AM and 8 AM, and Sundays between 4 AM and 10 AM.
What you need to know about dining out and drinking in New York State
Can you carry open alcohol in NYC?
Many Long Islanders and New York City residents will be given a criminal summons for an alleged violation of the “Open Container Law”. Although, each county and city has its own specific statute, in general terms, the Open Container Law prohibits you from having an alcoholic beverage in an open container in the public.
Can restaurants sell alcohol to go NYC?
Under New York's current law, customers must buy a “substantial food item” in order to also purchase liquor or wine to go from a bar or restaurant — and they can't sell full bottles of liquor. The cocktail or glass of wine must also be sealed in some way, such as with a lid or a cap.
Is it illegal to sneak alcohol into a restaurant?
Even if it is not specifically illegal in your area, a restaurant has the right to impose a policy against it. Bringing alcohol onto the premises. It is illegal for guests to bring their own alcohol onto the premises unless permitted by law and the company policy.
What is it called when you bring your own alcohol to a restaurant?
BYOB or BYO is an initialism and acronym concerning wine ("bring your own bottle"), liquor ("bring your own booze"), beer ("bring your own beer"), or marijuana ("bring your own bud"). BYOB is stated on an invitation to indicate that the host will not be providing alcohol, and that guests should bring their own.
Is it illegal to drink while working in a restaurant?
In California, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages by any person while on duty in a place where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on the premises.
Can grocery stores sell wine in NYC?
Grocery and drug stores selling beer, cider, and wine products for consumption in New York State need the appropriate license. These businesses need either the Grocery and Drug Store Beer/Wine Products License or the Grocery Store Beer/Wine Products License.
Why do people bring their own wine to restaurants?
There are valid reasons for bringing your own wine to a restaurant: you've been saving a special bottle; the restaurant only offers BYOB (bring your own bottle); or it may serve great food, but it has a lackluster drink list. BYOB is a courtesy restaurants offer, not an obligation.
How do you ask a restaurant if you can bring your own wine?
Call ahead and consider sharing.
"Always call ahead to ask if it's okay to bring your own bottles, even if you did so in the past at that restaurant. The beverage manager would always like to know this is happening," says Lewis.
Can you take a cup from a restaurant?
Whether a person accidentally takes a cup from a restaurant or not, they can theoretically be charged with theft under certain circumstances.
Is it OK to drink out of the bottle?
Materials used in water bottles and other food containers, such as BPA, are safe. All in all, water in plastic bottles is safe to drink.
What is corkage fee meaning?
A corkage fee is the cost restaurants charge to guests who bring their own bottle of wine to a restaurant, instead of ordering from the restaurant. Restaurants use corkage fees to allow guests to bring their own wine, while also charging them a small fee to do so.
Do restaurants let you bring your own alcohol?
Even if BYO isn't the norm, many restaurants will allow customers to bring a personal bottle, usually for a fee to cover the cost of opening and serving your wine. Depending on the restaurant, corkage fees can be as little as $10 or upwards of $50 or more, though $20-$35 seems to be the median range.
How much is corkage fee in NYC?
Want to enjoy wines from your cellar in your favorite restaurant? While many/most top end restaurants in NYC allow you to bring wine, most charge a corkage fee that ranges from $25 – $100.
How does BYOB work in NYC?
Can I allow patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages (BYOB) to my restaurant? Yes, as long as the alcoholic beverage is covered under the establishment's license. For example, a customer cannot bring liquor into a restaurant that is only licensed for wine and beer.
Is it illegal to bring outside drinks into a restaurant?
In a lot of places it is illegal because the establishment is held responsible for what people are eating or drinking in their restaurant.
Can your parents buy you an alcoholic drink at a restaurant?
B & P Code 25658.
Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (c), every person who sells, furnishes, gives, or causes to be sold, furnished, or given away, any alcoholic beverage to any person under the age of 21 years is guilty of a misdemeanor.
What is sneaking alcohol?
Secret drinking is a term that refers to hidden or clandestine alcohol consumption. Those who engage in this type of behavior often make an effort to keep their drinking private, making it difficult for family and friends to detect. Common signs of secret drinking include: Avoiding gatherings where alcohol is present.
What are the alcohol laws in NYC?
In New York, for purposes of state law, there are only four hours Monday through Saturday in which alcohol may not be served: 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. On Sundays the limitation is six hours: 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. This was designed to accommodate both New York City nightlife and late-night workers statewide.
What is the 200 foot rule in NY?
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Law prohibits certain licens- es from being issued if the location of the establishment is on the same street and within 200 feet of a building that is used ex- clusively as a school, church, synagogue or other place of wor- ship.
Can you take a drink to go in NYC?
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed the budget which included a five-year extension for cocktails to-go from restaurants, bars and taverns. The measure also allows spirits to be sold alongside beer and wine in movie theaters, an added convenience for adult consumers.