Exempts certain property from the prohibition of alcohol sales within a certain distance from a church

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare

The bill grants a narrowly defined exemption allowing an on-premises alcohol license for a food-and-beverage venue within 200 feet of a place of worship, specifically in a fixed Ma

ADVANCED TO THIRD READING

Summary of Bill S. 8690 (2025-2026) – Exempts certain property from the prohibition of alcohol sales within a certain distance from a church

Purpose and intent

The bill amends the New York Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to create a targeted exemption from the general prohibition on alcohol sales within a specified distance of a church or other place of worship.

Specifically, it allows the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) to issue a retail license for on-premises consumption for a premises located within 200 feet of a building occupied exclusively as a school, church, synagogue, or other place of worship, under narrowly defined conditions.

The exemption applies only to a very particular parcel within Manhattan (as described by a precise land description), and only when the premises is within the boundaries of New York County (the County of New York).

Key provisions and changes

Adds new paragraph (e-18) to subdivision 7 of section 64 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Law.

The exemption allows a retail on-premises consumption license for a premises:

Located within 200 feet of a building exclusively used as a school or place of worship (church, synagogue, etc.).
The licensed premises must be a location for sale of food or beverages for on-premises consumption.
The licensed premises must lie wholly within New York County (Manhattan).
The land parcel is specifically described as a fixed block in Manhattan: a rectangular parcel bounded by Lenox Avenue (west side) and West 127th Street, with dimensions indicating a 20-foot depth along Lenox Avenue and a 100-foot width along West 127th Street, enclosing the described property.

Affected parties and scope

Beneficiaries: Applicants seeking an on-premises alcohol consumption license (e.g., a restaurant or similar establishment) that is situated within 200 feet of a building occupied exclusively as a school or place of worship in Manhattan, provided the other conditions are met.

Limitations:

The provision is highly location-specific: it applies to a precisely defined parcel in Manhattan as described in the bill.
The premises must operate as a place that sells food or beverages on the premises for on-site consumption.
The exemption is subject to SLA authorization in accordance with existing licensing processes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The act is drafted as an immediate take effect measure (“This act shall take effect immediately”).

Ranking of process:

Introduced January 7, 2026.
Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business.
Subsequent action history shows 1st and 2nd committee reports completed in May 2026.

The bill’s enactment would require passage by the New York State Legislature and signature by the Governor (as with other ABC Law amendments) to take effect.

Notes and considerations

This is a highly specific carve-out that narrows the general prohibition by allowing a license for on-premises alcohol sales in a defined block near a place of worship, subject to compliance with existing licensing standards and location within New York County.

As with other ABC Law licenses, local zoning, safety, and public health standards would continue to apply, and the SLA retains discretionary authority in processing and approving licenses under the new exception.

If you’d like, I can provide a straightforward comparison to current law or outline potential policy implications and compliance steps for an applicant seeking this exemption.