As a former owner/licensee/manager of a popular pub-restaurant on Long island, I can tell you from first-hand experience how much fun and rewarding this industry can be (all of the hard work and investment notwithstanding). Having said that, you need to understand first and foremost that your New York State liquor license is a privilege. If you're not careful, that privilege can be denied to you or taken away. The people of the State of New York have entrusted the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to make sure that a) your premise is well-suited for the sale of alcohol b) that you are eligible to sell alcohol c) you comply with all state, local and federal laws as well as the rules of the liquor authority. I am not a lawyer and I do not give out legal advice, but I may be of assistance to you as you move forward with the license approval process and the operation of your business. On this site you can find a list of consulting services I either offer, or I can obtain for you from qualified professionals and vendors. Good luck with your exciting new venture. If I can be of any help to you, now or in the future, please don't hesitate to call me (or drop me an e-mail) for a no-obligation consultation. Cheers! — John Springer, NY Liquor License Specialist