Village Adopts Bring Your Own Beer and Wine Liquor License

If you’re dining out in Oswego and you’re not satisfied with the wine list, soon you may be able to bring your own.

The Village Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to establish a bring-your-own-liquor license, allowing patrons at area restaurants to bring their own beer and wine to drink with their meal.

Trustees spent little time debating the matter with most of the discussion focused on ensuring village liability was covered in the ordinance. Trustee Jeff Lawson said it’s important for the board to conduct due diligence regarding liability.

Village Attorney Tim Hoppa asked trustees to consider limiting the number of ounces of alcohol per container patrons could bring. As approved, the ordinance allows for a limit of 64-ounce containers.

Trustee Scott Volpe said that could limit potential banquet customers in the village who may want to bring in more than that.

“When we get that banquet facility in, I’d love to review our policy,” said Village President Brian LeClercq.

The new license will be issued to businesses that generate more than 60 percent of their gross annual revenue from the sale of food. It is reserved for restaurants that do not currently hold a liquor license and the alcohol must be served as a complement to the sale of food. The annual license fee will be $250 as will the application fee.

The licensee may only open and provide glasses and ice for the beverage, but is not allowed to serve, store or pour. Partially consumed containers can be resealed and taken from the establishment.

Also included in the ordinance is a provision for uncorking, which would allow current liquor license holders to charge an uncorking fee for patrons who want to bring their own wine to be consumed with a meal. The amount of the uncorking fee would be determined by each establishment.