Queens, NY – Today, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) announced legislation (A2593) to reform the application process for the “New Year’s Eve” permits that allow businesses to continue serving alcohol after 4 a.m. Currently, the State Liquor Authority (SLA) requires businesses to notify the local police precinct of such a permit. Rozic’s bill would include Community Boards in the decision making process by requiring businesses to notify them.

“New Year’s Eve is fast approaching and can be one of the most profitable nights of the year for night clubs, bars, and restaurants,” said Assemblywoman Rozic. “With businesses set to benefit from extended hours, we need to ensure that there is no undue burden on a community’s quality of life."

Every year during the holidays, businesses submit their applications for “all night” permits to the SLA and notify the local police precinct. Approval of the application allows the business to remain open on any weekday between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.

Rozic added, “Requiring notification to the local Community Board allows residents to express concerns commonly felt in residential areas affected by the approval of “all night” permits.”

“Currently, Community Boards do not have an opportunity to make any recommendations for all night permits, as we are not notified. This law would change that. I welcome it and commend Assembly Member Nily Rozic for taking on this important issue for our community,” said Marie Adam-Ovide, Community Board 8 District Manager.

As it stands, Community Boards are notified when a local business first applies for a liquor license.