New York State Liquor Authority v. Sutton Social Club, Inc.

OPINION OF THE COURT

Sheldon S. Levy, J.

This case raises the cup of decision on the novel proposition whether an incorporated not-for-profit social club can charge nightly dues to its members and distribute free liquor without a license to sell alcoholic beverages.

Surprisingly, this appears to be the first reported case on this precise subject — apparently because the present not-for-profit corporate social club approach is comparatively new and the enforcement agencies have not previously had an opportunity to challenge it.

In this proceeding, commenced by petitioner New York State Liquor…