The New York City Cabaret law may sound like something out of the hit Kevin Bacon flick Footloose, but it’s a very real dance ban with a controversial legacy going back nearly 100 years. And that law — which prohibits dancing in all establishments unless the owners get a “virtually unobtainable” cabaret license — might just get scrapped this year, drastically changing the city’s nightlife safety regulations.
It looks like the writing could be on the wall for the infamous Cabaret law after the Mayor Bill de Blasio administration announced its support of Intro 1652-A, a bill that would repeal the NYC Cabaret Law, earlier this month, according to NY Daily News.
… “Repealing the cabaret law while maintaining important safety provisions will go a long way to ensuring New Yorkers can fully enjoy the city's vast array of nightlife venues."
"We feel there are better ways than the current cabaret law to create a strong and healthy nightlife economy while also ensuring the safety and security of everyone participating in that economy,” Lindsay Greene, a senior adviser to de Blasio, said. "Repealing the cabaret law while maintaining important safety provisions will go a long way to ensuring New Yorkers can fully enjoy the city's vast array of nightlife venues."
And just last week, de Blasio signed a separate bill officially creating the city’s newest agency, the Office of Nightlife, according to NPR. The signing at artspace/nightclub House of Yes in Bushwick was attended by city council members, club owners, dance aficionados, and even famed drummer Marky Ramone, according to NPR.
The bill, which was drafted by first-term Brooklyn Council Member Rafael Espinal, tasks the Office of Nightlife and its advisory group to act as an intermediary between the nightlife industry, local government, and residents.
With Intro 1652-A on the docket, the establishment of the Office of Nightlife, and the support of the de Blasio administration, a repeal of this highly criticized Prohibition-era law might just become a reality, making it easier for bars, clubs, and restaurant owners to allow dancing in a safe and regulated environment.
What does that mean for NYC’s nightlife security?
Atlanta has its own set of particular requirements. As of 2014, under the Georgia Safe Carry Protection Act, Atlanta residents with concealed carry permits can bring a gun into a bar or nightclub unless the owner of the establishment expressly forbids it, according to the Wall Street Journal. The onus is on the business owner to decide whether they will ban guns in their establishment, and then post a “no guns” sign.
As for Boston, a law was signed in 2007 making it mandatory for nightclubs and bar owners to conduct criminal background checks on bouncers, and to install security cameras outside the venues.
Nightlife Security: A Serious Issue
Venues aren’t just responsible for hosting a good time — they’re also responsible for keeping visitors and patrons safe while on their property, whether it’s a stadium, shopping mall, or nightclub. If the property owner fails to install security cameras, hire security guards, or other appropriate measures, and someone gets hurt, that could be considered negligent security.
If you or someone you love has been hurt a nightclub or venue because of the facility’s inadequate security, our negligent security attorneys at Morgan & Morgan may be able to help. Fill out our free, no-risk case evaluation form today.