As of April 12, 2022, bars and restaurants may sell wine and/or liquor to-go or for delivery only if it is ordered along with a “substantial food item.”

Substantial food items include sandwiches, soups, salads, wings, hotdogs, or other foods of similar quality and substance. A bag of chips, bowl of nuts, or candy alone are not considered substantial food.

Bars and restaurants may only continue to sell beer, cider, and mead to-go or for delivery without the purchase of a substantial food item. 

Learn more about the Drinks To-Go Law.

Report a Violation

You can report a restaurant or bar selling alcohol (other than beer, cider or mead) to-go or for delivery without the required food purchase.

Obvious efforts to avoid the law, for example an unreasonably small portion of soup, a serving of canned beans, a handful of lettuce, or charging a small extra fee for an alcoholic beverage instead of a food item not actually ordered or delivered, will be treated as a violation of the law.

Send your complaint, including photos, to the State Liquor Authority.

It's illegal for restaurants or bars to provide or advertise free or unlimited drinks for a single price. 

Exceptions are made for private functions not opened to the public where the service of alcohol is incidental, such as:

• Weddings
• Banquets
• Receptions
• Packages with food

If you see an "All you can drink" ad for one price, you can report that anonymously to the New York State Liquor Authority for investigation.

Online

File a complaint with the New York State Liquor Authority.

By Phone

It is illegal for restaurants or bars to offer alcohol to someone who was already drunk.

If you witnessed such a situation you can report it anonymously to the State Liquor Authority for investigation. Please be prepared to offer the name and address of the business.

Online

File a complaint with the New York State Liquor Authority.

By Phone

You can report stores selling alcohol to minors.

In New York City, the legal drinking age is 21 and older.

Off-premises (supermarket or grocery stores) beer sales are prohibited on Sundays between 3 AM and 8 AM. Off-premises (liquor store or retailer) liquor and wine sales are prohibited between midnight and 8 AM, and until 9 AM on Sundays.

On-premises (bar or lounge) sales are prohibited between 4 AM and 8 AM, and until noon on Sundays.

You can report the sale of alcoholic beverages outside of approved hours to the State Liquor Authority.

File a complaint with the New York State Liquor Authority.