The island that offered the first glimpse of America to millions of immigrants now hopes to offer something else: alcohol.
Evelyn Hill, Inc., which has been running concessions on Liberty Island for 78 years and recently took over concessions on Ellis Island, is seeking a liquor license for private events on Ellis and Liberty Islands, said Darren Boch, spokesperson for the National Park Service.
The license will only allow Evelyn Hill to serve alcohol at events like weddings and corporate parties when the islands are closed to the public. Visitors to the island during the day will not be allowed to imbibe.
The National Park Service receives a fee for the after-hours events, but the money just covers the cost of security for keeping the island open, Boch said.
The license application will go before Community Board 1’s Waterfront Committee, whose vote is advisory, on June 15. The State Liquor Authority will make the final decision.
— Julie Shapiro
