What are the alcohol laws in New York City?
Asked by: Fae Stokes | Last update: November 24, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (7 votes)
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 grocery stores sell liquor in NYC?
What alcoholic beverages may I sell at my grocery store or drug store? A grocery store - beer may sell beer, cider and mead. A grocery store – beer/wine products may sell beer, cider, mead, and wine products.
Can you buy alcohol on Sunday in New York?
The law also changed for liquor stores. They may now open on Sundays (although not before noon) and in a 2022 change they may now open on Christmas should they choose to do so. A few years after the Pataki administration changes, Governor David Paterson sought to allow supermarkets to sell wine.
Is New York strict on alcohol?
Drinking Alcohol in Public in New York: Regulations
New York State has strict laws governing public alcohol consumption. Generally, drinking in public places, such as streets or parks, is prohibited. Violating these laws can result in fines or even arrest.
What are the alcohol laws in NYC?
Age restrictions. It is illegal to sell or serve alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 21 in New York. Licensing requirements. Establishments that serve alcoholic beverages must obtain a license from the New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA) and comply with its regulations.
New laws in New York concerning alcohol sales
What time do bars have to close in NYC?
Varies throughout the state, in NYC bars can serve until 4AM. Learn more here. Sometimes varies, no happy hour, learn more here. Unless county or municipal ordinances have additional restrictions, alcoholic beverages may be sold every day of the week, between 8:00 A.M. and 2:00 A.M.
Is New York a liquor control state?
Control states will have a monopoly over the sale at wholesale or retail of some (or all) of the different categories of alcoholic beverages. New York is a licensing state.
Can I drink in Central Park?
Alcohol is not permitted in Central Park.
What is the alcohol limit in NYC?
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) - .
08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) or higher or other evidence of intoxication. For drivers of commercial motor vehicles: . 04 BAC or other evidence of intoxication.
Can you take alcohol out of a restaurant in 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.
Can you drink outside in NYC?
(THE ACTUAL PROHIBITED ACT:) No person shall drink or consume an alcoholic beverage, or possess, with intent to drink or consume, an open container containing an alcoholic beverage in any public place except at a block party, feast or similar function for which a permit has been obtained.
What are the blue laws in New York City?
The NYS Alcoholic Beverage Control Law prohibits the issuance of a full liquor license for establishments on the same street or avenue and within two hundred feet of a building occupied exclusively as a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship.
What states can you not buy alcohol on Sundays?
- Montana.
- Utah.
- Oklahoma.
- Tennessee.
- North Carolina.
- Pennsylvania.
Can you carry unopened alcohol in NYC?
New York's Open Container Laws
The law does not apply to sealed beverages, including resealed bottles of wine that are kept in the trunk or the far back seat.
Do bodegas sell alcohol?
Bodegas also generally stock a lot of Latin American snacks and beverages. Both convenience stores and bodegas often, but not always, sell alcoholic beverages like beer and hard seltzers (though never wine or liquor).
Does Trader Joe's sell alcohol in New York?
The company's only such outpost in New York (New York state only allows one wine license per entity so the grocery chain can only sell wine in a single one of its locations) has always been a favorite among college students shopping at the grocery store next door and fans of the Two Buck Chuck wine offered on-site.
What are the rules for liquor stores in NYC?
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 time is the last call in New York?
The 4 a.m. time applies in New York City; clubs and bars may remain open after 4 a.m. without serving alcohol; they may start serving at 8 a.m. except on Sunday when sales begin at 10 a.m.. Last call is also 4 a.m. in Albany, Buffalo, and Saratoga Springs.
What does dwai mean?
DUI & DWAI Meaning
DWI stands for “Driving While Intoxicated,” while DWAI stands for “Driving While Ability Impaired.” Both of these terms are used for the description of actions taken when a person drives under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs or prescription painkillers.
When not to go to Central Park?
To ensure a safe experience, it's important to use common sense and avoid visiting the park alone at night. Central Park is open daily from 6 AM to 1 AM, and it is forbidden and highly not recommended to be in the park outside of these hours.
How much is a public drinking ticket in NYC?
Administrative Code - “Consumption of Alcohol on Streets Prohibited” ( also known as “Open Container Violation” or “Consumption of Alcohol in Public”) are eligible to plead guilty and pay a $25 fine by mail.
Are ticks common in Central Park?
Ticks are found around the world in hot, humid climates, which means they can also be found in Central Park, especially during the summer.
What are the new alcohol laws in NY?
Governor Hochul signed two of those recommendations into law in October of 2023, while three more are included in this year's Enacted Budget: Alcohol To-Go – A 5-year extension will allow for the current “drinks to go” provision to continue through 2030, with those 5 years commencing from 2025.
What state has the strictest liquor laws?
Kansas's alcohol laws are among the strictest in the United States. Kansas prohibited all alcohol from 1881 to 1948, and continued to prohibit on-premises sales of alcohol from 1949 to 1987. Sunday sales only have been allowed since 2005. Today, 3 counties still do not permit the on-premises sale of alcohol.
Can you drink as a bartender in NY?
No. According to the New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, it is a criminal offense for any person, including bartenders, to consume alcoholic beverages while on duty in a licensed premises.