NYC Tightens Club Security

In the wake of a pair of high-profile murders that happened after the victims left Manhattan night spots, the City Council has passed legislation aimed at tightening security at clubs.

The measures require security cameras at entrances and exits of clubs with city-issued cabaret licenses, which Robert Bookman, counsel for the New York Nightlife Association, said would only affect about 200 dance clubs. In a nod to privacy concerns, the legislation stipulates that all surveillance tapes must be stored securely, and threatens fines if footage is leaked to the media.

The new regulations also expand the city’s nuisance abatement law by allowing the city to shut down businesses that make or sell fake IDs, and require clubs with violations to hire monitors approved by the NYPD to oversee the club’s own security staff.

The council also approved a resolution to ask the State Legislature and the State Liquor Authority to restrict the practice of bottle service, which requires the purchase of a full bottle of alcohol at an often hefty price, by placing a waiter at every bottle service table and forbidding patrons to pour their own drinks.