Politickin' - Upcoming Changes for New York City Nightlife
City of Yes for Economic Opportunity passed the City Council on June 6th, 2024.
New York City is the birthplace of hip-hop and salsa and a melting pot for other music genres and dance styles, but ironically it still enforces zoning laws that ban dancing in small bars and restaurants across more than 80% of the city.
The New York City Cabaret Law was a dancing ban originally enacted in 1926, during the Harlem Renaissance and the Prohibition Era, which banned dancing at any address unless it had direct approval from the City Council. This was repealed in 2017 when laws were updated and NYC created the Office of Night Life (ONL) to advocate for bars, clubs, and other nightlife venues.
In the 1990s under the Giuliani Administration, NYC doubled down on these laws and prevented nightclubs from operating in residential areas. This led to the development of nightlife districts in former industrial and manufacturing neighborhoods.
Out of the 26,000 bar and restaurant establishments in New York City, only 104 have active cabaret licenses.
City of Yes for Economic Opportunity is a set of zoning changes to support NYC’s economy, including industries like nightlife, and was approved on June 6, 2024. This marks the second stage of Mayor Eric Adams’ plans to overhaul regulations governing businesses in New York City.
Did you know?
NYC’s zoning allows live music in any bar or restaurant, but in some areas it doesn’t allow you to get up and dance to that music.
The new legislation lifts restrictions that prohibited dancing and live entertainment in certain venues without a specific license. Now, any commercially-zoned business serving food and drinks can feature a dance floor, as long as the event size matches the venue's capacity.
What To Know
Zoning laws prevent businesses around New York City from having dancing in their establishments
A proposal, part of the city's zoning amendments, would simplify the code for dancing and eliminate some of the bans
The zoning requirements are not being actively enforced, but the fact they are on the books is a concern to some bar owners
In 2017, the city repealed the Cabaret Law that required businesses to get a license to allow dancing, but the zoning conditions remained in place
The Problem
NYC has a long history of discriminatory practices regulating dancing and nightlife through cabaret laws. Zoning also restricts music and comedy. For example, live music is allowed in bars and restaurants on any commercial street, but live comedy or open mic nights are not allowed in many of those same spaces.
The Proposed Solution
Stop New York City from regulating dancing itself and instead create regulations based on the size of the venue.
On a smaller scale, allow comedy, DJs, dancing, and ticketed events in all commercial districts.
Venues would still need permits and oversight from agencies like the Department of Buildings, the State Liquor Authority, and the Fire Department. Larger nightlife venues would remain restricted to higher-density or industrial areas of the city.
Let’s see what the future holds for nightlife in New York City.
In a city the size of NY, this is madness. We do need rules a regulations. But PROHIBITION of dancing just seems crazy to me.