Today, the Members of the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) approved a new advisory eliminating the longstanding requirement that on-premises liquor license applicants disclose
whether patron dancing will be permitted at their establishment.
This marks a major milestone in the decades-long effort to end unnecessary government restrictions on social dancing in New York. The NYC Hospitality Alliance has long advocated for this reform alongside industry advocates, including our counsel Robert Bookman. The change builds on recent victories such as the repeal of the Cabaret Law and zoning reforms that removed most local restrictions on dancing.
“We commend Governor Hochul and State Liquor Authority Chair Fan for working with the NYC Hospitality Alliance to remove outdated dancing restrictions from the SLA licensing process – a critical step after the historic repeal of the discriminatory cabaret law. This change builds on decades of advocacy to dismantle outdated restrictions on dancing and cultural expression in New York City. New Yorkers and visitors from around the world go out to gather, celebrate, dance, and experience our vibrant nightlife, and this action helps ensure everyone can celebrate and connect more freely and safely,” said
Andrew Rigie, Executive Director, New York City Hospitality Alliance and Robert Bookman and Max Bookman, Counsel for the New York City Hospitality Alliance.
What You Need to Know:
Under the new policy, applicants may now leave blank or omit questions related to “patron dancing” on liquor license applications, municipal notice forms, public interest questionnaires, method of operation change applications, and related materials. The SLA also stated it will no longer consider patron dancing disclosures when reviewing new on-premises liquor license applications.
The Alliance strongly supports this reform. Dancing has always been an important part of New York City’s culture, nightlife, and hospitality scene, yet for decades businesses faced outdated rules and regulatory uncertainty tied to social dancing. While recent city reforms largely legalized dancing, many establishments still worried that allowing dancing could negatively affect their liquor license applications or relationship with the SLA.
Today’s advisory helps change that by giving restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues greater confidence to incorporate dancing and vibrant social experiences into their businesses without fear that it could impact their liquor license review.
Importantly, the advisory also clarified that:
- Existing stipulations restricting patron dancing remain in effect unless modified through a Method of Operation Change application;
- Disclosure requirements related to adult entertainment (including exotic dancing, topless entertainment, pole dancing, and lap dancing) remain unchanged because they are required by law; and
- Local laws and regulations, including zoning rules and the NYC Noise Code, still apply and must be followed.
We commend Governor Kathy Hochul, SLA Chair Lily Fan, and the Members of the Authority for taking this important and long-overdue step toward modernizing New York’s hospitality regulatory framework.
As always, members with questions about how this advisory may impact a pending application, existing stipulations, or operational plans should consult with counsel.
