New York City Ends Restrictions Preventing Dancing In Bars & Restaurants

New York City is beginning to remove restrictions related to its 1926 Cabaret Law, which banned dancing in venues that didn’t have a special license. The bill, called City of Yes for Economic Opportunity, was passed on June 6 and removes 1960s-era zoning ordinances that prevented dancing in numerous bars and restaurants.

“In our 24/7 city – the birthplace of hip-hop, salsa and disco – the freedom to dance is essential,” said Jeffrey Garcia, executive director of The Office of Nightlife (ONL). “These changes overturn outdated rules from the 1960s and fulfil a key priority from ONL’s 2021 recommendations to finally repeal the last vestiges of the discriminatory Cabaret Laws.”

The City of Yes for Economic Opportunity removes the last of New York City’s Cabaret Law, and allows for all commercially-zoned eating and drinking establishments to allow dancing so long as it’s in scale with the venue’s size. Before the bill was passed, smaller venues without the proper permits were at risk of being fined should patrons dance.

Additionally, the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity now makes it more feasible for nightlife businesses to open in more neighborhoods across New York City.