If you’re considering producing and selling cider in New York, one of the first—and most important—steps is securing the appropriate license from the New York State Liquor Authority (“NYSLA”). Whether you plan to launch a small farm cidery or operate a larger commercial facility, understanding the application process and requirements is fundamental.
Below is a general guide to obtaining a NYSLA cidery license.
Determine the Type of Cidery License You Need
New York State offers several cidery license options under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law (ABCL):
- Cidery License (ABCL § 58-c) – Allows the production of cider with an alcohol content of up to 8.5% ABV.
- Farm Cidery License (ABCL § 58-c(3)) – For cideries using at least 100% New York-grown apples, pears, or other pome fruits up to 8.5% ABV, and includes certain retail privileges.
- Farm Winery/Farm Brewery Licenses – In some cases, a farm winery or brewery license holder can also produce cider.
Selecting the right license depends on your ingredients, production volume, and business model. It is ideal to understand the differences between the license types and which one may be best suited for your company. Contact us today for an initial consultation to ensure you choose the license that aligns perfectly with your business goals and compliance needs.
Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, confirm you meet NYSLA’s basic requirements:
- Location – Your production facility must be located in New York State.
- Zoning – Your local municipality must permit cider production at the proposed location.
- Entity Formation – The applicant must be a legally recognized business entity (e.g., LLC, corporation, partnership).
- No Disqualifying Criminal Convictions – Certain convictions can bar eligibility.
Prepare Required Documents
The NYSLA application requires comprehensive information, including:
- Entity formation documents (Articles of Organization or Incorporation and corresponding state filing receipt)
- Lease or deed for your production premises
- Detailed floor plan of the facility
- Personal Questionnaires for owners and principals
- Source of funds documentation
- Photographs of the premises
- TTB Basic Permit
File a TTB Application
Hard cider production requires a federal basic permit issued by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”). This step is often completed before or alongside your NYSLA application.
Submit the NYSLA Application
The NYSLA maintains an online wizard that can help determine the paperwork that must be submitted to the agency. Once the paperwork is submitted, the following steps are generally standard for most applications:
- Confirmation Receipt – once the application has been received by NYSLA and is logged into their system, the Authority will send a letter confirming receipt, along with an application serial number. Additionally, individuals needing to obtain fingerprints will receive further instructions.
- Application Review – NYSLA staff review the submission for completeness and compliance.
- Deficiency Letters – If something is missing or unclear, the applicant will receive a request for additional information.
- License Issuance – Upon approval, the applicant will receive their license and can begin operations.
Processing Time: Depending on the complexity of your application and any deficiencies, application review can take several months.
Understand Ongoing Compliance Obligations
Once licensed, cideries must comply with both state and federal regulations, including:
- Accurate labeling (following TTB and FDA guidelines)
- Renewals of your state license
- Recordkeeping for production, sales, receipts, and inventory
- Compliance with advertising and marketing regulations
- Payment of applicable federal and state excise taxes
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
While there are many pitfalls that a first-time applicant could fall subject to, below are some common issues we have seen in the past:
- Failing to confirm zoning approval before applying
- Submitting incomplete source of funds documentation
- Not aligning federal and state applications properly
- Overlooking brand label registration requirements before selling
How Lindsey Zahn P.C. Can Help with Your Cidery License Application
Launching a cidery in New York is an exciting opportunity, but the licensing process can be complex—especially if you’re juggling federal, state, and local requirements. A well-prepared application can help you avoid delays and get your business off the ground faster.
At Lindsey Zahn P.C., we guide clients through every step of the NYSLA cidery license process, from determining the correct license type to preparing and submitting a complete application package.
If you’re ready to start your cidery journey, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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