New York approves new legislation to remove "anti-dancing" nightlife rules

New York’s City Council has approved new legislation to support its nightlife sector and the “freedom to dance."

The new bill is under Mayor Eric Adams’ ‘City of Yes’ plan to change the zoning rules of New York which was established in the city many decades ago.

The ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ is made from 18 proposals and is cited for removing “outdated limitations” on businesses including the nightlife sector.

In 1926 the Cabaret Law was introduced which banned dancing comedy, and open mic nights in restaurants and venues in commercial zoning areas as well as to those without one of its hard-to-obtain licenses.

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Despite previously repealing the law in 2017, due to the 1960s zoning codes, bars, clubs and restaurants in 80% of the city, according to 6sqft, were forced to continue to prohibit dancing and would face fines if this rule was broken.

In 2021, Council Member Keith Powers, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and Mayor Eric Adams first proposed the ‘City of Yes’ plan including the elimination of the zoning areas to support local businesses.

At the time Levine shared, as reported by 6sqft: “Abolishing the Cabaret Law in 2017 was an important first step, and now we must finally fully repeal the antiquated zoning and unfair regulation that has been used to discriminate against Black, Brown, and queer nightlife establishments.”

Levine continued: “New York can’t be the City of Yes if we still say no to dancing.”

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However, this new legislation passed on June 6 has overused both the Cabaret Law and the zoning rules of the '60s therefore allowing the nightlife industry to grow beyond its previous restrictions.

Office of Nightlife (ONL) Executive Director Jeffrey Garcia told Globest: “In our 24/7 city — the birthplace of hip-hop, salsa, and disco — the freedom to dance is essential. These changes overturn outdated rules from the 1960s and fulfil a key priority from ONL’s 2021 recommendations to finally repeal the last vestiges of the discriminatory Cabaret Laws.

“We are grateful to Mayor Adams, the City Council, and countless advocates across the nightlife community who continue to push for equal access to dancing for all New Yorkers. This process is the culmination of a true collective effort.”

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Greg Miller, coalition coordinator at LegalizeDance.org also shared with Globest: “I'm thrilled that after 20 years advocating with LegalizeDance.org, ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ will revitalize marginalized communities through dance, all in a responsible way.”

He continued: “This opens the door for new expressions of movement and cultural vibrancy to flourish across the city!”

“I applaud the City Council’s approval of these commonsense zoning changes and longtime advocacy to lift arbitrary bans on where New Yorkers can dance,” said Dan Garodnick, Director of the Department of City Planning and Chair of the City Planning Commission.

Garodnick continues: “These long overdue changes will finally let New Yorkers stand up and dance while ensuring regulation continues where it is needed – by noise and venue size. Today’s vote is a win for our local restaurants and venues, musicians and performers, and every New Yorker who wants to enjoy live entertainment!”

Find out more about Mayor Eric Adams’ ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ plan here.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter