Is BYOB legal in NYC?
Asked by: Prof. Owen Ortiz | Last update: January 12, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (12 votes)
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.
How does BYOB work in NY?
Advisory 2022-31 issues guidance on BYOB and free alcoholic beverages to customers. The Advisory confirms that no liquor license is needed to allow BYOB or offer free drinks if that business has a max occupancy of 19 or less people.
Do I need a liquor license to serve alcohol at a private party in NY?
Businesses that cater private events at their place of business need a Catering Establishment License to serve alcoholic beverages.
Can you openly carry alcohol in New York?
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 you bring liquor to a BYOB restaurant?
BYOB describes a restaurant or event where guests are encouraged and allowed to bring their own alcoholic drinks.
New laws in New York concerning alcohol sales
What are the rules for BYOB?
With a BYOB policy, guests can enjoy their preferred drink even if the restaurant does not have a license to serve alcohol and there is no alcohol on the menu. Some businesses limit the number of bottles you can bring, while others only allow certain types of alcohol.
What is the etiquette for BYOB?
Etiquette for a BYOB party guest
A few other rules to bear in mind when you attend a BYOB party include: Sharing is caring, but always ask before you partake of another guest's drinks. If someone brought a bottle of liquor, or a six-pack of drinks, and you would like to try it, always ask before you help yourself.
What are the alcohol laws in NYC?
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.
Can a passenger drink in a car in NY?
New York's Open Container Laws
New York State's Vehicle & Traffic Law prohibits any driver or passenger of a motor vehicle on a public highway from consuming an alcoholic beverage, or from possessing an open container containing an alcoholic beverage.
Does New York allow open carry?
Open carry in public is not legal in most instances. While no law specifically bans open carry, a license to carry is issued to carry concealed as per penal law 400. Therefore, pistol permit holders must carry concealed.
How much does it cost to get a liquor license in NYC?
Liquor license cost in New York City
$960 for beer and cider (plus a $100 filing fee) $960 for wine, beer and cider (plus a $100 filing fee) $4,352 for on-premises liquor (plus a $200 filing fee) $5,850 for restaurant-brewer (plus a $200 filing fee)
Can you deliver alcohol to a restaurant that does not hold a liquor license?
Final answer: You cannot deliver alcohol to a restaurant that does not have a liquor license, as it is illegal in most jurisdictions. Restaurants must possess a valid liquor license to sell or serve alcohol.
Is it illegal for a private club to serve alcohol to anyone but a member?
Serving Alcohol in Private Clubs
Many private clubs can also serve alcohol without regard to local laws regulating public sales. So if local and state laws allow it, a country club may serve alcohol – to its members and their guests only – in a dry county.
Do I need a liquor license for a private party in NYC?
Do I need a license if I serve alcohol to my guests at my home, at a private venue or outdoors? To sell alcohol to your guests, you either need a license under the New York Alcoholic Beverage Control Law or you need to hire a licensed caterer.
Can I bring my own wine to a restaurant?
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.
What does BYOB include?
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.
How much is an open container ticket in NYC?
The sobriety test will help the police officer decide your level of impairment and determine what to do next. Drivers convicted of violating New York's open container law face a maximum fine of $150 for a first offense. For repeat offenders, the cost is higher.
Can you drink in an Uber in New York?
Tips for riders
Never bring illegal drugs or open containers of alcohol into a car. If you have reason to believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, ask the driver to end the trip immediately.
What is Leandra's law in NY?
Leandra's Law (Chapter 496 of the Laws of 2009), amended the Vehicle and Traffic Law and the Penal Law to establish a new Class E felony related to driving while intoxicated with a child as a passenger; and to require that all individuals convicted of misdemeanor and felony DWI offenses install and maintain ignition ...
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.
Which part of the body absorbs the most alcohol?
You absorb 20 per cent of alcohol into your bloodstream through your stomach and the rest into your bloodstream through your small intestine. Drinking a small amount of alcohol stimulates your appetite because it increases the flow of stomach juices.
Can 18 year olds drink with parents in New York?
Persons under 21 are prohibited from purchasing alcohol or possessing alcohol with the intent to consume, unless the alcohol was given to that person by their parent or legal guardian. There is no law prohibiting persons under the age of 21 consuming alcohol that was given to them by their parent or legal guardian.
How do I ask guests to BYOB?
If you're issuing formal party invitations, consider adding a note identifying the BYOB nature of the event. If the event is more informal, you can use social media or email. If you know the guests well, or you need to reach them on short notice, consider contacting them more directly by calling or texting.
Is it OK to have a BYOB wedding?
Is It Okay to Do a BYOB Wedding? The short answer is yes.
Do you bring your own glasses to BYOB?
Casual BYOB restaurants will usually open the bottle and provide you with drinking glasses. They may pour the wine for you, or let you pour for yourself.