WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 7003

Authorizes the state liquor authority to issue licenses to new premises for the sale of liquor where such premises is within two hundred feet of a place of worship, or where three or more such premises exist

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Luis Sepúlveda

Authorizes the state liquor authority to issue new liquor licenses within 200 feet of a place of worship or where three or more licenses already exist.

REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 7003

Summary of S 7003

Overview

  • Bill number: S 7003
  • Title: Authorizes the state liquor authority to issue licenses to new premises for the sale of liquor where such premises is within two hundred feet of a place of worship, or where three or more such premises exist
  • Sponsor: Luis R. Sepúlveda (primary)
  • Status: Referred to Investigations and Government Operations
  • Introduced: March 28, 2025
  • Related companion bill: A 5387 (Assembly)

Purpose and intent

The bill would authorize the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) to issue licenses for new liquor-sale premises in two specific situations that appear to be exceptions to existing proximity restrictions:
1. If the new premises are within 200 feet of a place of worship, and
2. In areas where three or more such liquor premises already exist.

In other words, the measure seeks to relax or modify current restrictions that limit license issuance near places of worship or in areas with multiple existing liquor licenses.

Key provisions (as stated)

  • Authorizes SLA to issue licenses for new liquor premises even when the premises are within 200 feet of a place of worship.
  • Authorizes SLA to issue licenses for new liquor premises in locations where three or more liquor-selling premises already exist.
  • The text provided does not specify additional conditions, safeguards, or geographic limitations beyond the two stated criteria.
  • No explicit effective date is listed in the provided material; the bill’s progress at this stage is merely its referral to committee.

Affected parties

  • State agencies: New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) would implement and oversee licensing under these new criteria.
  • License applicants: Developers or business owners seeking to open new liquor-sale premises that meet the new proximity criteria.
  • Communities near places of worship: Potential impacts on neighborhood character, traffic, and compliance with local land-use plans.
  • Places of worship: Considerations regarding proximity to commercial alcohol activity.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill was introduced and immediately referred to Investigations and Government Operations on March 28, 2025.
  • The same referral appears twice in the legislative actions listed.
  • A companion bill exists in the Assembly as A 5387.

Potential impact (considerations)

  • Could increase the number of liquor-licensable premises by creating exceptions to proximity restrictions near places of worship.
  • May affect local zoning discussions, community input processes, and alcohol-related policy debates.
  • The balance between business development and community concerns would likely be a focal point in any subsequent committee hearings or amendments.

This summary captures the essential information available for S 7003. If you have access to the bill’s full text, I can provide a more detailed analysis of any defined exceptions, limitations, or standards the SLA would be required to apply.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.