Bill > S00289

This bill expands the existing legal offense of "unlawfully dealing with a child in the second degree" by adding a new provision that makes it illegal for owners, lessees, managers, or employees of an establishment to allow children under 18 years old to enter or remain in a place that exclusively sells alcoholic beverages and does not have an on-site kitchen for preparing food. The bill specifically targets bars or similar venues that do not serve food and are primarily focused on selling alcohol. The existing law already prohibited minors from being in places that sell alcohol under certain circumstances, but this amendment further restricts access by lowering the age from 16 to 18 and creating additional specific conditions about the type of establishment. Violating this provision would be considered a class B misdemeanor, which is a criminal offense that can result in potential fines and/or up to 90 days in jail. The law is set to take effect on the first of November following its passage, giving businesses time to adjust to the new requirements.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S289