NYC Food & Beverage Industry News for November 2024

November 2024

This November newsletter will not focus on pumpkins, holiday spices, turkeys, or hot cider. We know you’re gearing up to take full advantage of a F&B business owner’s favorite time of year, so our focus is on making sure that NYC restaurant operators are prepared for the holiday season ahead!

We also know that business preparedness means thoughtful planning, and planning takes time. So, be sure to carve out the time you need now to get your menu, space, and staff set for success.

Be sure to pay special attention to the SLA updates and the Corporate Transparency Act reporting deadline mentioned below.

Wishing you all a smooth, profitable November, and a very happy Thanksgiving!

Steven Picker & Rosanne Martino

The NYC Food and Beverage Industry Partnership Team at SBS

Stay Up To Date

New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) Updates:

November 16 Deadline for New Year’s Eve All Night Liquor Permit Applications – SLA allows licensees to apply to be open all night on New Year’s Eve. The fee for the permit is $61.

Learn More & Submit an Application

Temporary Liquor License Expansion – new legisla tion allows businesses in a location that did not previously have an active SLA license to apply for a temporary one. Temporary licenses are now valid for 180 days instead of 90 days at no additional cost.

Serving alcohol in outdoor cafes requires permission from the SLA. There is no fee involved.

Avoid Federal Fines - Check Your Business and File for Free

By December 31, 2024, businesses will need to report information about the individuals who own or control them. Any newly formed businesses must do the same within 90 days of being registered with the state.

Businesses will be fined for not registering the appropriate information. Completing the form is free. You do not need to pay to process this one-time filing for your business.

Be advised that businesses may be subject to civil penalties of $500+ for each day that they have not completed the filing requirement.

Attend an Info Session

Learn More

In a Flood Zone? Assess Your Risk. Receive a Grant. Protect Your Business.

Earlier this year, SBS launched the BPREP Risk Assessment and Grant Program to help small business and commercial property owners mitigate flood and other risks. The program offers a free on-site, one-on-one risk assessment and $5,000 reimbursement grant to buy recommended resiliency equipment, such as flood barriers, generators, and fireproof storage containers.

Check if You're in a Flood Zone

Learn More & Apply

Are You Having Difficulty Making Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Payments?

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a Hardship Accommodation Plan.

Learn More

Dining Out NYC

Considering operating an outdoor dining setup for the 2025 season (starting April 1st)? We recommend you apply now, as it can take 5 - 6 months for sidewalk and roadway cafes to be approved once a complete and accurate application is received.

All roadway cafe setups must be removed for the winter season by November 30.

Sidewalk cafe operators should read this FDNY bulletin about the permit required if you wish to use natural gas heaters.

Outdoor Dining on Private Property – An outdoor cafe proposed within property lines is subject to the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)’s standard permit and approval process. An alternative option to DOB’s plan examination and approval process is the Professional Certification Program which enables Professional Engineers (PE) and Registered Architects (RA) to certify that the plans they file with the DOB comply with all applicable laws.

Information on Obtaining a Permit

Are you a small business owner? We want to hear from you!

We are examining whether Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) are getting an equitable share of city contracts in key industries and want to understand your experience working with or attempting to work with the city. Your input will help us explore potential changes to the city’s M/WBE program.

Learn More

Take the survey for a chance to win a $200 gift card

This study is a partnership between NYC Department of Small Business Services and the CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance

NYC Child Support Program Employer Conference

Co-sponsored by the NYC Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration Office of Child Support Services and the NYS Division of Child Support Services

Employers and payroll professionals are invited to ask questions and learn about:

Reporting new hires
Processing income-withholding and medical support orders
The 1099 requirement

RSVP for Dec. 10 at 9 AM

What We're Up To

Many thanks to Rethink Food for hosting a restaurant partner roundtable to learn about the work of the F&B Industry Partnership and the no-cost services and resources offered by SBS to NYC small businesses.

Thank you also to Anthony Mardach, Regional Director of F&B at Highgate, for inviting SBS and other city agencies to present to their NYC F&B operations leadership.

Steven Picker joined Rep. Grace Meng and SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross on a District 6 corridor walk to share details about the Dining Out in District 6 program with restaurant owners.

Dining Out in District 6

Is your restaurant in Queens Congressional District 6 and are you interested in receiving a free outdoor dining setup? If your business is located in the district and you plan to participate in Dining Out NYC, please submit the interest form (available in multiple languages) to be considered to receive a free setup. If you’ve already filled out the form, you do not have to submit it again.

Confirm You're in District 6

Submit the Interest Form

Resources

Required Signs for NYC Restaurants

Restaurant Resource Guide