To: DINaction@yahoogroups.com
From: "Marjorie J. Clarke, Ph.D." <mclarke@hunter.cuny.edu>

Our friend, Steve Simon, sent me this...   It describes the new law, signed last September, and specifically mentions Dyckman Street as the reason for the law to limit any types or mixtures of wine or liquor licenses to 3 in a 500 foot stretch.  Now, if only all the community boards could be made aware of this law so that we don't have to keep coming to their meetings about it...

Subject: FW: State Law Tightening Bar Rules

Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 15:42:17 -0500
From: "Simon, Steve" <Steve.Simon@parks.nyc.gov>
To: "Marjorie J. Clarke, Ph.D." <mclarke@hunter.cuny.edu>

FYI – I sent this e-mail to the chair of the CB 12 Economic Development Committee.
 
From: Simon, Steve
Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 3:37 PM
Subject: State Law Tightening Bar Rules
 
Nicole:
 
Here is some information on the new state law that Maggie Clarke spoke about at the committee meeting the other night.  As you can see, Assemblyman Farrell specifically refers to how this law applies to Dyckman Street.  I believe we need to take it into account when reviewing the applications we’ve received for that street.
 
Steve
 
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http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/member_files/071/2008_home_safety/
 

September 22, 2009
 

Bill Tightening Bar Rules Becomes Law
 

A bill intended to prevent over-saturation of liquor-serving establishments in residential neighborhoods was signed into law by Governor Paterson September 16, 2009. This bill, which was supported by Assemblyman Farrell, would more closely regulate applications for new liquor licenses in areas like Dyckman Street, which according to some is now oversaturated with bars..
 
The bill (A.8518 /Schimminger) closes loopholes in the state Alcoholic Beverages Law's '500-foot rule,' which was intended to prevent more than three establishments which serve liquor from opening their doors within 500 feet of each other without special permission from the State Liquor Authority. But previously, in considering applications SLA was required to consider only similar establishments; for example, reviewing bars within 500 feet but ignoring restaurants. The new state law is inclusive and requires SLA to look at all alcohol sellers within the 500-foot radius.
 
"When determining whether or not to grant new liquor licenses, the SLA must consider detrimental consequences it may have on the surrounding community. This new law will help to prevent neighborhoods from being overrun by the rowdy and noisy behavior of patrons, traffic and crime," Speaker Sheldon Silver said.
 
Assemblyman Farrell said the revamped law could prevent a repeat of a situation playing out on Dyckman Street, where SLA is considering granting a liquor license to a planned restaurant in an area some describe as noisy and chaotic after dark, and blame neighborhood bars for the noise.
 
"While business is an important part of our community, it is clear that there should be limits on business especially in respect to noise and disruption in family neighborhoods," Assemblyman Farrell said. "Already, many are up in arms over the late-night disturbances they associate with having too many bars and restaurants serving alcohol in small areas. I was pleased to support this very sensible clarification of the rules we have long used to balance commerce and community."