Obtaining a liquor license is a time-consuming process. Liquor licensing is done by state entities, and each state liquor administration has different names, like the New York State Liquor Authority and the Washington State Liquor Control Board. Although the names are different, they accomplish the same tasks. One of those tasks is processing liquor license applications.

First, you must determine the class of license needed for your establishment. For example, if you operate a restaurant and want to serve just beer and wine, you’ll need a “Restaurant Wine” class liquor license. If you operate a restaurant and bar and want to serve beer, wine and liquor, you’ll need an “On-Premises Liquor” license.

Once you determine your required license classification, you will need to notify the local municipality or community board by sending a 30-day notice to them via certified mail. The notice will not only state that license classification but will also include your intended hours of operation and other general information. After receiving the notice, most Community Boards in New York, will request to see your proposed menu, architectural drawings, and will want further detail regarding your intended operation.

Once the 30-Day Community Board notice period has elapsed, you may than file your liquor license application with the New York State Liquor Authority (“NYSLA”). The application requires the disclosure of a great amount of detail regarding your intended operation and it’s owners, managers, lenders, donors and investors. Additionally, you will be required to submit a Certificate of Occupancy for the Premise (or a letter of no objection from the Department of Buildings), the original certified mailing card, penal bond, photographs of all rooms and the exterior, the lease for the premise, proof of citizenship, diagrams, bank statements, certificate of authority to collect sales tax, workers compensation and disability insurance policies and a proposed menu. If all of the required information and documentation is complete and accurate, and there exists no other reason for rejection, the NYSLA should issue your license within six months.

Fortunately, in September of 2009, the NYSLA approved the implementation of the Attorney Self-Certification Program resulting in approvals in just two weeks. This program allows attorneys filing applications on behalf of applicants to certify that statements and documents provided in an application are true and accurate and that the application meets all statutory requirements. The program has allowed for a more timely review of applications as the agency will rely on the information certified by the Attorney, eliminating the need to review each document submitted.

At The Law Office of Stacy L. Weiss, they give personalized attention to clients with expertise in the areas of Liquor Licensing and Alcoholic Beverage Control Law for all counties in New York State. They can help you obtain a New York State Liquor License or New York State Liquor License Permit anywhere in the State, including, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties. They can also help you with New York State Liquor License violations, closings and hearings.

Obtaining a liquor license in New York State has become increasingly difficult and more complicated. They can provide the answers and assistance that are required to successfully transfer an existing liquor license to your new company or what is required to obtain a new liquor license. They will fully explain all of the procedures including notifying the local community board as well as what is required if an appearance in front of the community board becomes necessary. They will also explain what requirements trigger a 500 foot hearing at the New York State Liquor Authority. They will also represent you in front of the Liquor Authority Board. The goal of their law firm is to provide the highest quality legal services to you and your business in a timely fashion. For more information on New York State Liquor License Laws and The Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws contact the liquor licensing lawyers in New York City at the Law Office of Stacy L. Weiss.

If you never had the need to look for an eminent domain law firm before, finding one can seem like a daunting task. There are several key attributes that capable eminent domain law firms in California should possess. Knowing these can help you narrow down the list of firms that may come up during your search. Consider these top 3 criteria when determining which eminent domain attorney to hire:

1. Experience

Consider the following questions when calculating the level of experience an attorney has:

1. How many eminent domain cases have they handled?
2. How many eminent domain cases have they taken to trial?
3. How many eminent domain cases have they handled on the appellate and State Supreme Court level?
4. What types of properties have they handled?
5. What types of issues have they dealt with?
6. Which states have they taken cases?

Question your potential attorney, and have them review your appraisal and conduct a case evaluation. An experienced eminent domain attorney will accurately assess and explain your damages and, in most cases, estimate the amount owed to you.

You should know that only a small percentage of eminent domain cases go to trial, and when an attorney takes your case, they won’t know whether or not it will proceed to trial. However, a good eminent domain attorney will plan their strategy around going to trial and will therefore be prepared in the event that this occurs. If your case goes to trial, does your attorney have the experience necessary to persuade a judge and jury? Are they planning appropriately and are they willing to go to trial?

2. Are They Looking Out for my Best Interest?

Hiring an attorney who works both sides can result in a conflict of interest scenario; the attorney has worked for the government in the past and/or is friendly with the condemning authority’s attorney. There are many good attorneys who represent both the condemning authority and the property owner, so be aware of this situation and decide whether or not you are comfortable with it before hiring an attorney.

Keep in mind that hiring a local attorney who has only handled a few eminent domain cases can result in a similar situation. This attorney might have ties to the local government, which could put undue pressure on this attorney to settle the case.

3 – Set Expectations

In addition to understanding the issues surrounding your case, you should know how much money you are entitled to receive. A knowledgeable eminent domain attorney will discuss their strategy with you; tell you how much money they are pursuing and what the estimated final award of damages will be. If you expect your attorney to take your case to trial, then make sure you hire a trial lawyer.

Lastly, whether or not you hire an attorney to challenge the government’s right to take, to pursue an inverse condemnation claim, or to pursue additional damages, you should know that in some states, attorneys fees and costs could be paid for by the government. Read more about eminent domain and the eminent domain laws in your state.

The attorneys at Oliver, Sandifer, & Murphy are highly accomplished trial lawyers and determined negotiators whose practice is exclusively focused on all aspects of eminent domain, California easement, and condemnation proceedings. They are recognized as the premier California eminent domain firm, and are credited with having the knowledge, experience, resources, and determination to vigorously represent our clients in all eminent domain and condemnation matters. Their single goal is to achieve the greatest results and success for clients, and to do so efficiently and effectively. Oliver, Sandifer, & Murphy are California eminent domain lawyers and condemnation attorneys serving clients statewide from offices in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area. You may contact them by calling.