State Liquor Authority – Method of Operations and License Database

The New York State Liquor Authority is the dominant regulator of music and dancing in New York City. Reform of the zoning law will not remove the SLA regulation. Over 1900 liquor licenses in New York City require licensed venues to prohibit dancing; over 9000 license do not allow live music.

Community Boards Ignore Chiasson Decisions Declaring Music Restrictions as Unconstituional

The New York City Community Boards in cooperation with the State Liquor Authority have ignored the decisions of Chiasson I and Chiasson II in in  1986 and 1988, implementing restrictions against live music declared as unconstitutional. Although the City amended its Zoning Resolution in 1990 reflecting the Chiasson decisions, the SLA and Community Boards have acted as a superseding zoning authority overriding the Zoning Resolution.

Special Permits by BSA – 18 Years and Only One Social Dancing Special Permit

Both prior to and after the 1989 revisions to the Zoning Resolution, Special Permits from the Board of Standards and Appeals or the City Planning Commission were used to provide a way to allow music and dancing uses otherwise prohibited or in certain districts.  Special Permits are cumbersome, expensive, and time consuming to obtain and… Continue reading Special Permits by BSA – 18 Years and Only One Social Dancing Special Permit

The New York State Liquor Authority – Method of Operation

The New York State Liquor Authority has acted the major regulator of dancing in venues offering alcohol using a scheme that Liquor Licenses and a venues Method of Operation must show whether the venue is offering patron dancing and collaborates with Community Boards to restrict dancing and live music. The SLA collaborates with Community Boards in its enforcement.

Comment to CityLand Article Rezoning and Remnants of Cabaret Law of June, 2022

Alan D. Sugarman submitted this comment to an oversimplified article appearing in CityLand. The article ignores abusive regulation of dancing and music by the State Liquor Authority, with Community Boards, requiring licensees to comply with an approved Method of Operation, which regulation will persist even with changes to the Zoning Resolution … unconstitutional demands as to type of music and other issues.