Ethics Opinion 158
10.9.1970
NEW YORK STAE BAR ASSOCIATION Professional Ethics Committee OpinionOpinion #158 – 10/09/1970 (35-70)
conflict of interests, judges
Topic: Can a Judge Own an Interest in an Entity that Sells Liquors at Retail or at a Bar?
Digest: A judge may own such an interest if it is legal and the nature of such interest does not detract from the dignity of his position
Code: EC 8-8; EC 9-2; DR 8-101(A); DR 9-101
QUESTION
The State Liquor Authority in interpreting Section 128 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, excludes judges from holding an interest in an entity that sells alcoholic beverages.Is it unethical for a judge to have an interest as stockholder or otherwise in a corporation holding a retail on premises license to sell liquors and wines?
OPINION
It would be unethical for a judge to hold such an interest if it is illegal, or if the nature of his interest or the nature or reputation of the establishment where the beverages are sold are such as to detract from the dignity of his position, or if there is any possibility of a conflict. Otherwise, such ownership would not be unethical.