Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Bottomless Brunches Are Legal After All
By
Nell Casey
Published Feb 27, 2014
Modified Feb 27, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Nell Casey
Published Feb 27, 2014
Modified Feb 27, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
We've been through quite a whirlwind this week with news that our beloved bottomless brunches were on the wrong side of the law. But take heart, fellow binge drinkers, as it seems boozy brunch may live to see many more Sundays. Following the media hubbub, the SLA clarified its position on the matter and revealed it's perfectly legal for establishments to ply you with unlimited mimosa over Eggs Benedict.
The agency tells the New York City Hospitality Alliance that brunch is considered an "event," making for a convenient loophole around their NY 117-A law. In their words:
Serving unlimited drinks to a patron is prohibited under the Alcoholic Beverage Control law, and instances of over serving by our licensees will be investigated and prosecuted. However, there is a limited exception in the statute when the service of alcohol is incidental to the event, such as in the case of certain brunch specials.
Even under these limited exceptions, licensees still have a legal obligation not to over serve patrons. The SLA will continue to take a balanced regulatory approach by allowing licensees to conduct specials where alcohol is an accompaniment, while simultaneously cracking down on specials that promote excessive drinking.
And with that, we breathe a gigantic vodka-scented sigh of relief. You put us through quite a roller coaster of emotions, SLA! It's enough to drive anyone to drink (and drink, and drink, and drink).
Tagged
bottomless brunch
sla
Nell Casey
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Why NYC restaurants are playing coy about sustainability
Though it has multiple benefits, the practice remains popular for one basic reason: it saves money.
By
Samantha Dady
Published Oct 26, 2026
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Food
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .