The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) is taking a step forward toward tackling a massive backlog of items. Beginning Thursday, November 30, 2023, a special committee of senior SLA staff members will begin moving to address nearly 6,000 backlog items. That committee will operate out of the Liquor Authority’s Buffalo office.

Chair Lily M. Fan and Commissioner Edgar De Leon approved what’s called “Delegation of Power 2-001” during its full board member meeting on November 28, 2023. The committee will work for six months to determine how much progress it is able to make on the backlog of items. It will focus primarily on applications the SLA has determined should be addressed as groups.

During the meeting, the Chair clarified that the special committee is not meant to deny any applications. If the committee determines an application needs to be further reviewed, those items will be sent to the full board.

The SLA expects to receive a report from the special committee on its progress in January or February of 2024.