Wined and Dined has a pretty exhaustive piece today on BYO and lower corkage fee restaurants. Definitely worth checking out.
Recently in BYO Report Category
The SLA is diligently killing off the concept of BYOB for restaurants as evidenced by the latest report on Grub Street about Emporio's booze-less opening. Yup, no BYOB for them.
As we've previously reported, the current laws are asinine - a restaurant can't be BYOB unless they have a liquor license (not even if you have applied and it is pending) but if they never intend to apply, they are not under the SLA's authority and thus they can't do anything to stop you. The cops could, theoretically, but we doubt they'll be raiding anyone over this.
A much better idea would be to re-write the laws to allow any restaurant to be BYOB and to streamline the licensing procedure for restaurants. There was a movement to separate restaurants from bars and clubs but that seems to be up in the air. In the meantime, since it's clear people want booze with their dinner, shouldn't our state reps help foster a system that is a win-win for both customers and restaurant owners? Cause this cockamanie system is terrible for everyone and has damaged too many restaurants to count.
As we've previously reported, the current laws are asinine - a restaurant can't be BYOB unless they have a liquor license (not even if you have applied and it is pending) but if they never intend to apply, they are not under the SLA's authority and thus they can't do anything to stop you. The cops could, theoretically, but we doubt they'll be raiding anyone over this.
A much better idea would be to re-write the laws to allow any restaurant to be BYOB and to streamline the licensing procedure for restaurants. There was a movement to separate restaurants from bars and clubs but that seems to be up in the air. In the meantime, since it's clear people want booze with their dinner, shouldn't our state reps help foster a system that is a win-win for both customers and restaurant owners? Cause this cockamanie system is terrible for everyone and has damaged too many restaurants to count.
Disturbing news for New Yorkers - most BYO restaurants are breaking the law according to a story in Crains New York. As we previously reported, restaurants need to have a liquor license to allow BYO - unless they are under 20 seats. If they open and are applying for a license, they may jeopardize the application's status by allowing BYO. It's unclear what the consequences are since the SLA (State Liquor Authority) only has jurisdiction if an application for a license is underway - no application, no SLA authority. Then enforcement fall on the police.
Grub Street is reporting that Kuma Inn was approved for a liquor license so bye bye byo once the papers come through the SLA slog. And the soon-to-open UCB theater replacing Two Boot's Pioneer Theater sailed through with no problems. Who doesn't want a side of booze with their anarchic comedy?
Liquor license woes are legendary in New York these days. All too often restaurants have to open without one. It gets reported in the media at opening time but then we are left to wonder - did they ever get that license? Heck, do they even want one?
Here's an update on the status at some local favorites. Each restaurant has its charms and fans will attest to the food, but saving a few bucks on booze is an additional plus, especially these days.
Here's an update on the status at some local favorites. Each restaurant has its charms and fans will attest to the food, but saving a few bucks on booze is an additional plus, especially these days.
- Motorino, East Williamsburg pizza hotspot (319 Graham Ave), is still without a liquor license. They welcome you to bring in beer or wine. Another Brooklyn pizza mecca, Lucali (575 Henry Street, Carroll Gardens), has also remained sans liquor license so pack your own. (Photo - Motorino pie)
- Petite self-professed "neo-Korean" East Villager Persimmon (277 E. 10th Street) is still going strong in the wake of summer critical praise and the Times review. Their website cryptically says they are "BYOB again," so go ahead.
- Kuma Inn (113 Ludlow Street, 2nd Floor) continues to wow them on the LES. They are BYO for the time being but they do have corkage fees, depending on your booze of choice: $5 for 750ml wine, $1 per 12oz beer, $3 for 300ml of sake, $4 for 720ml of sake and $10 for 1.5L. No hard liquor allowed.
