"Following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the state of New York enacted the 1934 Alcoholic Beverage Control (or ABC) Law, which continues to regulate the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcohol within the state. Under the ABC Law, the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) is empowered to grant liquor licenses to "lawful adult entertainment or recreational facilities". In September 2025, the SLA announced that its policy would change to better reflect this, and the implications are considerable."
"Venues now able to apply for liquor licenses in New York include art galleries, cooking classes, pool halls, comedy clubs, batting cages, escape rooms, board game cafes, go-kart tracks, virtual reality arcades, laser tag arenas, and axe-throwing clubs. To be eligible, any venue applying must simply demonstrate that it is a lawful business open to the public and will serve alcohol in accordance with existing SLA rules."
The 1934 Alcoholic Beverage Control Law regulates manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcohol in New York and empowers the New York State Liquor Authority to grant licenses to lawful adult entertainment or recreational facilities. In September 2025 the SLA updated its policy to allow a broader range of nontraditional recreation venues to apply for liquor licenses. Eligible venues include art galleries, cooking classes, pool halls, comedy clubs, batting cages, escape rooms, board game cafes, go-kart tracks, virtual reality arcades, laser tag arenas, and axe-throwing clubs. Applicants must show they are lawful, open to the public, and will serve alcohol under SLA rules. In December 2025 a "retail-to-retail" bill loosened where licensed businesses can buy alcohol so bars and restaurants no longer must purchase solely from wholesalers.
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