Sharmalaw - Ravi Ivan Sharma, P.C. Law Offices

02/03/2026

Major Developments for 2025–2026
New York has continued its multi‑year effort to modernize the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law (ABCL), with recent changes affecting to‑go alcohol, outdoor dining in municipal space, ID verification (including NYS Mobile ID), and temporary retail permits. These developments present both opportunities and new compliance risks for bars, restaurants, hotels, caterers, and other hospitality businesses, many of which we represent through our Liquor Law & Hospitality practice.
For context on earlier developments, you may also wish to review our prior Fall 2024 New York Liquor Law Update.
Extended "To‑Go" Alcohol Sales Through 2030
New York's "drinks to go" framework—originally rolled out during the pandemic and later codified—has now been extended so that on‑premises wine and liquor licensees may continue selling alcohol for off‑premises consumption through 2030.

New York's liquor laws continue to evolve, with significant changes for Winter 2026 affecting alcohol‑to‑go (extended through 2030), outdoor municipal dining under ABCL 111‑a, use of New York State Mobile ID (MiD) for age verification, and temporary retail permits. This in‑depth update break...

05/24/2025

Opening a new liquor store in New York State is a complex process involving regulatory scrutiny, community input, and significant legal and financial planning. Below is a comprehensive, practitioner-level overview for prospective applicants, including key steps, common pitfalls, and critical lease issues. This information is designed for those considering engaging legal counsel to guide them through the process.

The Licensing Process: What to Expect When Opening A New Liquor Store In New York

1. Understanding the “Public Convenience and Advantage” Standard

New York’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Law requires that new liquor store licenses be issued only if the applicant can prove the store will serve the “public convenience and advantage.” The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) will assess:

- Whether the area is already adequately served by existing liquor stores.

- Gross sales trends at the four nearest stores (the SLA will request this data).

Opening a new liquor store in New York State is a complex process involving regulatory scrutiny, community input, and significant legal and financial planning.

10/19/2024

Major Changes on the Horizon

As we reported earlier this year, Governor Kathy Hochul has spearheaded significant changes to New York State's liquor laws, modernizing the 90-year-old Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Law. These developments will impact businesses, consumers, and legal practitioners in the alcohol industry. Let's explore the key changes and their implications.

Major Changes on the Horizon As we reported earlier this year, Governor Kathy Hochul has spearheaded significant changes to New York State's liquor laws, mod

10/18/2024

Major Changes on the Horizon

As we reported earlier this year, Governor Kathy Hochul has spearheaded significant changes to New York State's liquor laws, modernizing the 90-year-old Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Law. These developments will impact businesses, consumers, and legal practitioners in the alcohol industry. Let's explore the key changes and their implications.

Major Changes on the Horizon As we reported earlier this year, Governor Kathy Hochul has spearheaded significant changes to New York State's liquor laws, mod

10/12/2024

Here is an in-depth report on fundamental steps for businesses to protect customer personal information, focusing on requirements and best practices in New York, California, Massachusetts, and the US Virgin Islands:

I. Determining if Your Business is Required to Protect Customer Personal Information

Before implementing cybersecurity measures, it's crucial to understand if your business is legally obligated to protect customer personal information (PI).

Here is an in-depth report on fundamental steps for businesses to protect customer personal information, focusing on requirements and best practices in New York

10/11/2024

Here is a step-by-step guide for purchasing or opening a restaurant in New York City and applying for a liquor license and the correct timing to hire a liquor attorney. In the coming weeks we will delve into the specifics of the sections below:

Step 1: Develop Your Restaurant Concept and Business Plan

Before diving into the logistics, in order to open a restaurant in New York City it's crucial to have a clear vision for your restaurant and a solid business plan.

Here is a step-by-step guide for purchasing or opening a restaurant in New York City and applying for a liquor license and the correct timing to hire a liquor a

08/01/2024

There are several key cybersecurity regulations and requirements that US companies need to comply with at both the federal and state levels:

Federal Regulations

- HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): Applies to healthcare providers and organizations handling protected health information (PHI). It requires safeguarding patient data.

- GLBA (Gramm-Leach-Bliley

There are several key cybersecurity regulations and requirements that US companies need to comply with at both the federal and state levels.

07/31/2024

Has anyone seen our new website? Https://sharmalaw.com

07/26/2024

The Ma*****na Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) was signed into law on March 31, 2021 legalizing adult-use cannabis (also known as ma*****na, or recreational ma*****na) in New York State. The legislation created a new Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) governed by a Cannabis Control Board to comprehensively regulate adult-use, medical, and h**p cannabis. The

The Ma*****na Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) was signed into law on March 31, 2021 legalizing adult-use cannabis (also known as ma*****na, or recreat

07/25/2024

When companies tell consumers they will safeguard their personal information, the FTC can and does take law enforcement action to make sure that companies live up these promises. The FTC has brought legal actions against organizations that have violated consumers’ privacy rights, or misled them by failing to maintain security for sensitive consumer information, or caused substantial consumer

When companies tell consumers they will safeguard their personal information, the FTC can and does take law enforcement action to make sure that companies live

07/25/2024

2024 marks a significant year for consumer privacy legislation in the United States, with new laws set to take effect in Florida, Oregon, Montana, and Texas, alongside stringent measures in New York, Massachusetts, and California.

2024 marks a significant year for consumer privacy legislation in the United States, with new laws set to take effect in Florida, Oregon, Montana, and Texas, al