The Mayor has narrowly defined the problem and the need to change zoning regulation of dancing and music. This is a narrow view of the problem. The problem is the need to eliminate the arbitrary regulation of dancing and music, whether by the DCP or any other governmental entity. The most important regulators restricting dancing… Continue reading DCP Proposal 8 For Common Sense Regulation of Dancing and Music
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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
Metrics and Factors Used in Dance and Music Regulation
Metrics and Factors This article provides an overview of numeric metrics and other factors used to regulate music and dancing. This following is not inclusive and provides only examples of the use of the metric or factor. It is necessary to review the numerous provisions of the Zoning Resolution as marked in the excerpt Zoning… Continue reading Metrics and Factors Used in Dance and Music Regulation
Letter to Dan Garodnick Director Dept of City Planning July 24, 2022
Letter suggesting issues to be explored in reviewing zoning resolution re music and dancing.
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.
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New York Times, June 30, 1926 Article Provides Context as to Running Wild Introduction to Cabaret Law bill.
A New York Times article from June 30, 1926 describes Mayor Walker’s debating the proposed Cabaret Law curfew and providing contemporary color as to “running wild” and “visitors from outside the city” creating disturbances. The contemporaneous account undermines the implied view that the preamble to the enacted law establishes racism.
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.