The State Liquor Authority is part of the executive department of New York State with a Board consisting of
three Commissioners, appointed to three-year terms, one of whom is the Chairman. The Chairman serves as
the day-to-day administrator and has a salary set by statute; the other two Commissioners are compensated on a
part-time basis. Current Authority responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Reviewing applications and investigating applicants to determine eligibility;
• Issuing licenses and permits for the manufacture, wholesale distribution and retail sale of all alcoholic
beverages;
• Regulating trade and credit practices related to the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages at wholesale
and retail;
• Limiting, in the Authority’s discretion, the number and type of licenses issued as determined by public
interest;
• Working with local law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control
Law;
• Investigating licensees for alleged violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law;
• Bringing disciplinary charges, conducting disciplinary proceedings, revoking, canceling or suspending for
cause any license or permit, and/or imposing monetary penalties where appropriate; and
• Promulgating rules to implement the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law
