Sound Distributing Corp. v. New York State Liquor Authority

OPINION OF THE COURT

Lewis R. Friedman, J.

Petitioner applied to the New York State Liquor Authority (Authority) for a warehouse permit for the storage of alcoholic beverages. The application was denied. This CPLR article 78 proceeding presents serious questions about the Authority’s practice of delegating to subordinate tribunals responsibility for final decisions to grant or deny applications for licenses or permits.

Petitioner, which is licensed as a wholesale beer distributor at locations in Bronx and Westchester Counties, applied in *31988, for a wholesale beer license for 1301 Inwood Avenue in…