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
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Published Sep 12, 2026
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
Is it worth the high price and ridiculous wait? Gothamist needed to find out.
By
Sonia Rao
Food
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
Is it worth the high price and ridiculous wait? Gothamist needed to find out.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Where to eat in Greenpoint, Brooklyn right now, from Polish to Sichuan to Iberian
By
Robert Sietsema
Can a congressional candidate's dumpling diplomacy win over Queens’ immigrant communities?
By
Caroline Shin
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 .