How to obtain your New York "Alcohol Permit" Walkthrough Tutorial

by Joshua Hopkins

Updated September 2021

The State of New York requires individuals and businesses to obtain a permit for the purchase and import of nondenatured food grade ethanol, including Culinary Solvent.  Use this page as a guide to completing the permit process to purchase food grade alcohol in New York.
  • Who must complete this form:  Any individual or business of New York who wishes to purchase industrial alcohol must first obtain a permit.
  • Initial License Fee: Varies based on permit
  • Renewal Frequency: Every 3 years
  • Renewal Fee: Varies based on permit
  • Approximate Time to Complete All Forms:  30 minutes
  • Approximate Wait Time After Form Submission:  2 weeks

State Authority Information

Follow these steps to complete the New York license process:

 

In order to purchase industrial alcohol as a resident in New York, you must have a permit. Begin by e-mailing the NYSLA (link above) with a description of the ethanol you wish to purchase, including estimated annual quantities and a brief description of the intended use (tinctures, extracts, food preparation, etc). You will receive an email reply pointing you to the specific permit you must complete.  This step will ensure that you complete the correct application the first time, avoided unnecessary waiting and fees.

Once you know which permit you need, you can apply for it with New York's licensing system online at: https://aca.licensecenter.ny.gov/aca/default.aspx
​​

Step 1: Click on "Register for an Account" at the top right corner of your screen. Fill in the required fields and login with your new account.

New York Permit Step 1

Step 2: Once you are logged in, click on the big green button that says "Apply now for a new license or permit"

 New York Permit Step 2

Step 3: The next page will display the Privacy Policy. Read and accept the terms provided and click "Continue Application"

​New York Permit Step 3

Step 4: This list of license types will then appear. Click on "State Liquor Authority"

​New York Permit Step 4

​Step 5: Check the e-mail you received from the NYSLA and check the appropriate permit. Common permit types are highlighted above. Then click the "Continue Application" button.

​New York Permit Step 5

Step 6: (Page 1) The next page will show the section of New York ABC law associated with the license. Make sure you read the "ATTESTATION AND DESCRIPTION". After you have read the section, check the box and click "Continue Application"

​New York Permit Step 6

Step 7: (Page 2) If you have an active New York State Liquor Authority License number, enter in the blank space. If not, hit continue application.

​New York Permit Step 7

​Step 8a: (Page 3) On this next page, under "Applicant", click the "Add New" button.

​New York Permit Step 8a

Step 8b: The pop-up above should appear. Select which type of company/individual you are and enter the information in the fields marked with asterisks (*)​

​New York Permit Step 8b

Step 9: (Page 3) On this page you need to enter in your business address. Click the "Add Contact Address" button.

​New York Permit Step 9

Step 10: The pop-up above should appear. Enter in your business address here and then click "Save and Close"

​New York Permit Step 10

Step 11: Using the drop-down menu answer the felony or misdemeanor question. Then click "Continue Application"

​New York Permit Step 11

Step 12: (Page 4) On this page enter in your business address and click "Validate Address". If your address isn't recognized follow the instruction provided on the page.

​New York Permit Step 12

Step 13: (Page 5) Representative is NOT A REQUIRED contact type. If you do not need to add a representative contact to your application click the 'Continue Application' button.

​New York Permit Step 13

Step 14: (Page 6) First, list the products you will make with the industrial alcohol. Second, list the purpose for which industrial alcohol will be used. Third, click "Continue Application"

​New York Step 14

Step 15: (Page 7) Click the "Affiliate(s) of Interest" button. The pop-up above should appear. List all officers, directors, principals, sole proprietors, partners, stockholders, LLC members, and LLC managers. Once all Affiliates are listed, click "Continue Application".

​New York Permit Step 15

Step 16: (Page 8) Open the authorization form using the download button. The authorization form must be signed and dated by an individual applicant, each member of a partnership or an authorized officer of a corporation. Then click on "Add Authorization Name" to enter details for each signer of the authorization form. You will be required to upload this form at the end of the application process.

​New York Permit Step 16

Step 17: Click "Upload Documents" and upload the authorization form you filled out. Then click the "Continue Application" button.

​New York Permit Step 17

Step 18: Review all the information you have entered so far. Once you are sure it is all accurate click "Continue Application"

​New York Permit Step 18

Step 19: Review your cart to make sure you only have the permit and filing fee listed. Then click the "Checkout" button.

​New York Permit Step 19

Step 20: Enter your billing information and payment details. Then click the "Process" button. Once your card information is verified, you will be directed to a page to complete the transaction. After your payment is processed, you will view a confirmation page with your application number and important follow-up information.

Step 21: You will receive an approval or denial via email. Log into your account on https://aca.licensecenter.ny.gov/aca/default.aspx to manage your licenses and permits.  Allow 1-2 weeks for processing.  If it's has been 2 weeks and you have not yet received a response, inquiries can be made to (518) 453-8130 Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm Eastern Time.

If there is a problem with your application you will receive an email detailing the issue and suggested corrective measures.

All done!  Upon approval, the agency listed above will issue your permit to the email address used on your application.  Follow the steps below to complete your purchase of Culinary Solvent.

Steps After Permit Approval

Send us your permit: Email a copy of your approved permit to Ship@CulinarySolvent.com.

Place your order via Email: Due to the permit requirments of New York, customers may order food grade ethanol via email.  Email ship@CulinarySolvent.com with your order request, listing the size, type, and quantity of product request.  (Example, 1x Quart of Organic 200 Proof Ethanol, or 2x 55-gallon drums of 190 proof ethanol, etc). We will reply with an email invoice which you may use to complete your order using a credit card.

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