<P> The SLA does not permit establishments to allow patrons to "B.Y.O.B." if the establishment does not have a license or permit to sell alcoholic beverages . The only exception to this rule is that establishments with fewer than 20 seats can permit B.Y.O.B. However, the SLA does not have authority to take any direct action against an establishment that is not licensed with the SLA, unless the establishment is then or will be in the future applying for a liquor license . </P> <P> Research has been conducted into the association between closing times and crime in New York . Counties with later closing times tend to have greater rates of violent crime (except gun violence), but not non-violent crime . This was true even after adjusting for socio - demographic factors . </P> <P> Only liquor stores may obtain a license to sell liquor for off - premises consumption . Grocery and drug stores may obtain a license to sell beer alone or beer and "wine products", such as wine coolers (but not wine). Minors visiting a liquor store must be accompanied by an adult at all times; a violation can lead to the owner or manager being charged with second - degree unlawfully dealing with a minor, a Class B misdemeanor . </P> <P> Until the mid-2000s, sales of beer for off - premises consumption were prohibited statewide before noon on Sundays, a remnant of a royal decree during the Colonial era, and between 3--6 a.m. any day . Changes to the law made in the last years of Governor George Pataki's administration loosened those restrictions, and now beer sales are only prohibited from 3--8 a.m. Sundays . Counties are free to adjust those hours in either direction, all the way to midnight and noon, and allow 24 - hour beer sales on other days of the week . </P>

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