A long awaited amendment to the laws on temporary retail permits was signed by Governor Hochul on Wednesday.  The prior law only permitted temporary retail liquor permits on new applications in New York City if the premises had been licensed within the past two years.  The new law, passed by the legislature in June and awaiting the governor’s signature, eliminated the two year requirement. Now, any applicant for an on premises license can apply for a temporary permit, even if the space was never previously licensed. Approval of the temporary permit, however, is conditioned upon the New York State Liquor Authority making a preliminary finding, after the 500 foot law hearing, that the public interest test has been met.  An applicant operating under a temporary permit on a new application must close by midnight, and is not permitted to have a DJ or live music.  This is a hugely significant change in the law, especially given how long it takes for final approval of liquor license applications.