One-day Permits

What is a Special Event Permit?

A one day permit (or special event permit) allows an individual to cater beer and wine, or a business to cater beer, wine and/or liquor at a special event, such as tastings, promotions,birthday parties, weddings and more. Special event permits can also allow a business or individual to sell alcohol for concerts, festivals, parades, athletic events and other occasions. 

How to Apply for a Special Event Permit

How to Apply for a Special Event Permit from New York State Liquor Authority Consulting

All Event Permits Must be Filed at Least 15 Days Prior to the Event

Our fees to file a permit for you start at only $150. 

Prices vary based on type of permit, etc.

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If you want to apply for a special event permit yourself, we wish you well. Go to the SLA web site, download special software, register with the state of NY, download the application and complete it as best you can. Reload the information when the program locks up. Reload the information when the program dumps your data. Then cross your fingers and wait to see if you are approved.

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Law limits the number of Temporary Beer & Wine permits that can be issued for a location to 4 permits during a 12-month period.

Attention: To Avoid Applying for an Incorrect Permit Type Please Review the Terms & Conditions for Each Category

Full Liquor one day permits are only issued to businesses that have an active liquor license. To provide liquor for a special event, the One Day Permit application must be for a business that has an existing liquor license. This type of One Day Permit for businesses with an existing liquor license is known as a Caterers Permit.

Beer & Wine one day permits are issued to applicants that are not currently licensed with the SLA. Individuals can apply for and obtain a One Day Permit to provide beer and wine products. For example, someone could obtain a One Day Permit for beer and wine products so they can serve beer and wine at their birthday party or wedding. 

Caters Permit Rules and Regulations
All Night Permit Rules and Regulations
Charitable Permit Rules and Regulations

Special Event Online Application Forms

Beer, Wine & Hard Cider Liquor Permit for Currently Licensed Establishments

Overwhelmed by Liquor Law Jargon?

For special event questions and permits, please call the Albany office at 518-209-1711

Special Event Permits are Subject to the Following Terms & Conditions:

  • No person shall sell, deliver or give away or cause or permit or procure to be sold, delivered or given away any alcoholic beverages to any person, actually or apparently under the age of twenty‐one years.
  • No child, actually or apparently under the age of 16 years will be admitted to the premises at which event is held unless accompanied by their parent or guardian or by an adult person authorized by its parent or guardian, as provided by of §260.20 of the Penal Law.
  • No sale or service of alcoholic beverages shall be made during the hours prohibited by the provisions of §106 (5) of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law or by rule of the county government having jurisdiction in the county in which the event is held.
  • No alcoholic beverage may be sold, served or consumed in any area where bingo is played.
  • Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from a licensed brewer, winery, or wholesaler ONLY, and not from a retail licensee.
  • A separate permit is required for each point of sale for each date. The permit must be on display at the event.

There is An Easier & Quicker Way to Apply for a Special Event Permit in NY State 
New York State Liquor Authority Consulting's professional staff of former State Liquor Authority officials have helped hundreds of people get approved for special event permits. 

Don't waste time trying to figure out the confusing and complicated rules and regulations for special event permits. Let our experts handle it for you. 

We would be pleased to complete any special event permit application for you for a reasonable fee.

Call Us at 518-209-1711 

Caters Permits (all) ‐ Section 98
Authorizes an active on‐premises retail licensee to furnish alcoholic beverages for use at a specific event located off the licensed premises. Applicant must be hired to furnish provisions (food) and alcoholic beverages at the event. An applicant cannot cater for themselves. Such permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 consecutive hours commencing 8:00 a.m. of the effective date of such permit and shall authorize the permittee to furnish provisions and alcoholic beverages for use at an indoor event.

This Permit Shall be Subject to the Following Conditions:

  • Application must be received by the Liquor Authority a minimum of 15 days prior to the event.
  • Food must be provided by applicant/licensee, meeting the minimum requirements under §64‐a of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, for example: salads, soups, sandwiches, finger foods. Pretzels and potato chips do not meet the minimum requirements for food.

Caterers Permits For Club Licensees

Caterers Permits For Club Licensees from New York State Liquor Authority Consulting

Authorizes a club licensee to furnish alcoholic beverages to members for use at events located off the licensed premises. Authorizes a club licensee to furnish alcoholic beverages for events on the licensed premise in accordance with §98(2). Such permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 consecutive hours commencing 8:00 a.m. of the effective date of such permit and shall authorize the permittee to furnish provisions and alcoholic beverages for use at an indoor event.

This Permit Shall be Subject to the Following Conditions:

  • Application must be received by the Liquor Authority a minimum of 15 business days prior to the event.
  • Food must be provided, meeting the minimum requirements under §64‐a of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, for example: salads, soups, sandwiches, finger foods. Pretzels and potato chips do not meet the minimum requirements for food.

All Night Permits ‐Section 99

Special Event All Night Permits from New York State Liquor Authority Consulting

Applicants must have an active on premise license to apply for an all night permit. An all night permit authorizes licensee to remain open to sell alcoholic beverages between the closing hour prescribed by statute or established county hours on any week day (New Year’s Eve).

This Permit Shall be Subject to the Following Conditions:

  • Applications must be received by the Liquor Authority no later than 15 days prior to the date of the event (November 16th).
  • Notice of the licensee’s intent to apply for the permit must be sent to the local police department or, if there is no local police department, to the County Sheriff’s Department. Proof that the notice was mailed must be included with the application. Acceptable proof is either (1) a copy of the notice and a certified mail receipt card or (2) the original, or a copy of the notice stamped and signed by the police department.
  • The permit is valid for the hours between the closing hour prescribed by statute or by the county government having jurisdiction and 8:00 a.m.
  • The sale of any alcoholic beverage under said permit shall be subject to the same rules, restrictions and conditions as apply to the alcoholic beverages which the said permittee is permitted to sell under their license.
  • Permit must be plainly visible for inspection during the time it is in effect.
  • All night permits will not be issued for a Sunday.

NOTE: In deciding whether to issue the permit, the Authority will consider the licensee’s disciplinary history (including pending charges) and whether, given the nature of the event, the licensee has adequate facilities and security plans in place.

The Authority’s Licensing Bureau will make a decision on each application within 10 business days of filing. If the Licensing Bureau denies the application, the licensee can request a review of the decision by a Member of the Authority. Such requests should be sent to the Office of Counsel at the Authority’s Albany office. A Member of the Authority will review the decision and make a final determination within 10 business days of receipt of the request.

Charitable Permits ‐ Section 99(a)

Special Event Permit Charitable Permits from New York State Liquor Authority Consulting

Authorizes a charitable, religious, civic or educational organization to sell alcoholic beverages, at auction or otherwise. Such permit is valid for a 24 hour period commencing at 8 a.m. and only during the hours when such alcoholic beverages may lawfully be sold by retail licensees in the county in which the auction or sale is held.

This Permit Shall be Subject to the Following Conditions:

  • Contributions made by an individual donor to applicant organization are deductible for federal income tax purposes.
  • The funds so raised will be used for non‐profit purposes of the organization.
  • All such alcoholic beverages shall be in sealed containers.
  • Not more than eighty (80) cases shall be sold.
  • No alcoholic beverages sold pursuant to such permit shall be consumed on the premises at which they are sold.
  • Applicant must provide a statement as to how alcoholic beverages are to be acquired: purchase, gift or otherwise.