Need something else?

You can report:

  • Alcohol for sale at a restaurant or bar that is not requiring food purchase
  • Alcohol for sale at more than half off or the sale of unlimited drinks
  • Alcohol sale to an intoxicated person
  • A store selling alcohol to minors

Effective July 17, 2020, all licensed restaurants and bars may only serve alcohol to people ordering and eating food.

Each person in a seated party must order food with the initial order of alcoholic beverage(s). However, one or more shareable food item(s) may be purchased, so long as it/they would sufficiently serve the number of people in the party.

Send your complaint, including photos, to the State Liquor Authority.

Learn more about the requirement.

It's illegal for restaurants or bars to provide or advertise free or unlimited drinks for a single price. 

Exceptions are made for private functions not opened to the public where the service of alcohol is incidental, such as:

  • Weddings
  • Banquets
  • Receptions
  • Packages with food

If you see an "All you can drink" ad for one price, you can report that anonymously to the New York State Liquor Authority for investigation.

Online

File a complaint with the New York State Liquor Authority.

By Phone

  • Agency: New York State Liquor Authority
  • Phone Number: (518) 474-3114
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

It is illegal for restaurants or bars to offer alcohol to someone who was already drunk.

If you witnessed such a situation you can report it anonymously to the State Liquor Authority for investigation. Please be prepared to offer the name and address of the business.

Online

File a complaint with the New York State Liquor Authority.

By Phone

  • Agency: New York State Liquor Authority
  • Phone Number: (518) 474-3114
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

You can report stores selling alcohol to minors.

In New York City, the legal drinking age is 21 and older.

What Happens Next

Officers from your local police precinct will respond when they are not handling emergency situations.

 Was this information helpful?   Yes    No