State Liquor Authority News

There are a number of activities at the SLA that are worthy of your attention. As previously reported, the Members of the Authority considered State Senator Frank Padavan’s request for a Declaratory Ruling on Moxie Mania at their November 6^th meeting. The Commissioners listened to a presentation by the representatives the manufacturer of Moxie Mania, observed a demonstration of the game and asked numerous questions before deciding to study the issue further before making a decision on Senator Padavan’s request. SLA Chairman Daniel Boyle made a request for the Liquor Authority’s Counsel to contact the Attorney General’s office and seek an opinion from the Attorney General on whether Moxie Mania is legal or not. This will be on the Authority’s agenda when they meet on November 20^th in Albany.

The SLA’s November 6^th meeting also resulted in passage of two resolutions that impact the agency’s operation. The first resolution, sponsored by Commissioner Greene and supported by Commissioner Healey, repealed all previous delegations of power from the three-member State Liquor Authority to the Chairman. The second resolution, also supported by Commissioners Greene and Healey, appointed Woody Pascal to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Pascal has served as First Deputy Director of the Authority since this past July. His principal duty has been overseeing the Division of Licensing’s effort to reduce the delay in processing new and renewal licenses.

The State Liquor Authority has developed new standardized forms for providing the required notice to local municipalities and community boards of an original or renewal license application. Recent legislation directed the Liquor Authority to develop these standardized forms. The new forms are required to be used immediately for new license applications and for the January 1, 2009 renewal period for renewal applications. More information about this and copies of the forms are available on the SLA website.