Petition and Fact Sheet

Stop restrictions on social dancing and live music in New York City!

Petition

The Cabaret Law was repealed, and zoning has been amended.
Left untouched: the Liquor Authority’s regulation of music and dancing.

We New Yorkers who enjoy dancing and live music petition the Governor, the Liquor Authority, and other State and City officials to:

• Stop the Liquor Authority from enforcing restrictions on live music and dance when allowed by NYC zoning and noise regulations.
• Adopt legislation eliminating the power of the Liquor Authority to impose dancing and music restrictions when allowed by NYC zoning and noise regulations.
• Repeal the so-called “500-foot rule,” which enables community boards to pressure license applicants.
• Have the City Council limit community boards from blocking live music and dancing.
• Require the Liquor Authority to remove references to dancing and live music from license applications, so it’s clear these are not criteria for approval.

Live music and dancing are prohibited under the SLA’s Method of Operation rules in over 9,000 restaurant licenses across NYC. Unless legalized, these establishments cannot hire musicians, advertise shows, allow any dancing, allow cabaret singers, or charge cover fees.

Join New Yorkers and the Coalition of Musicians and Dancers to Eliminate Regulations Against Music and Dancing
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Live Music and Dance in NYC Restaurants Why Musicians and Dancers Should Care About Liquor License Restrictions

New York City in 2024 changed zoning laws to allow live music and social dancing, having earlier in 2017 ended the cabaret license. But the State Liquor Authority (SLA) still restricts restaurants from presenting live music and patron dancing unless these activities are allowed in their license, perpetuating cabaret-law- type restrictions.

Live music and dancing are prohibited under the SLA’s Method of Operation rules in over 9,000 restaurant licenses across NYC. Unless legalized, these establishments cannot hire musicians, advertise shows, allow any dancing, allow cabaret singers, or charge cover fees.

Why Restrictions Affect Musicians

§  Free Expression – Restrictions suppress artistic rights and public access to live music.

§  Limit Opportunities – Illegal venues mean fewer options and opportunities.

§  Limit Audiences – Restrictions stop musicians from reaching new fans.

§  Amplification – Even in venues where live music is allowed, SLA often prohibits amplification, excluding common electric instruments like electric keyboards and guitars.

§  Publicity – Where live music is prohibited, advertising an event may give grounds to the SLA to issue a violation on the spot.

Why Patron Dancing Matters

§  Gateway – Social dancing, restricted by the SLA, is often a gateway into jazz and live music

Fan Base – Social dancers frequently become lasting fans of musicians and increase numbers at gigs.

§  Active Listeners – Social dancers actively engage with the music, giving energy and feedback to performers.

§  Increase Audiences – Social dancing expands audiences and draws in more customers.

§  New Dance Spaces – Restaurants provide new spaces to dancers outside of dance studios.

Why Restrictions Matter to Restaurants

§  Legalization doesn’t require restaurants to host music every night, but it gives them the option to do so when it makes sense.

§  Better Business – Live music attracts new customers and encourages them to stay longer.

§  Advertising & Cover Charges – Without legalization, restaurants can’t advertise live music or dancing, limiting income for venues, musicians, and dance organizers.

This is about free expression, more options for musicians and restaurants, and supporting NYC Nightlife.

Support Live Music and Dance in Restaurants – Support Musicians’ Rights