Ooh - anyone planning on opening up a new bar in a trendy area but didn't get a liquor license may be outta luck: The state has decided to halt liquor licenses for "new nightclubs, bars or cabarets that want to open within 500 feet of three more establishments that already have a full liquor license." Nautrally, the New York State Restaurant Association is upset - president Rick Sampson said. "This is certainly going to be a financial hardship for a lot of people" - people who have already started to put money into their spaces. It's the EU all over again! This probably won't affect places outside of the city, where certain streets and neighborhoods are known for having a variety of drinking spots.
1010 WINS reports that the NY State Liquor Authority won't be issuing licenses to bars, etc., within 500 feet of three or more existing establishments until the end of the year, as the NYSLA looks at their current policies. The NYSLA says that they are doing this as neighbors have been concerned with quality of life issues. And subtext seems to be underage drinking and security - possibly not wanting to create anymore "Club Rows" like West 27th Street.
