A bill that would require the State Liquor Authority to build and maintain a publicly available database of on-premise liquor licenses was approved by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a move cheered by lawmakers who backed the measure.
The bill, sponsored by Manhattan Democrats Assemblywoman Deborah Glick and Sen. Brad Hoylman, would enable a resident to look up information on bar, such as whether it has permits for live music or an outside patio, enabling police to respond faster to noise complaints in a neighborhood.
“Community boards, block associations, and residents across my district have for years called upon the State Liquor Authority to make information on these licenses more available and accessible so that they can better understand their impact on our neighborhoods,” Hoylman said. “This is basic, good government.”
Glick also applauded the bill’s approval, saying it will allow people to check if neighborhood establishments are being good neighbors.
“For too long, it has been nearly impossible for community members to get very basic information about State Liquor Authority licensees that operate in our neighborhood,” she said. “Now that liquor license information will be easily obtainable, people can see for themselves if nearby establishments are being good neighbors and are operating within the constraints of their license.” good neighbors and are operating within the constraints of their license.”