New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced a policy to eliminate what her office called outdated restrictions on dancing at bars and restaurants.
According to the governor’s office, state Liquor Authority applicants will no longer have to say whether dancing is allowed at their establishments. Questions about dancing will also not be considered during the on-premise liquor license application process.
The change is regarding Section 110 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law (ABCL), which requires information on dancing be disclosed. The state Liquor Authority “has determined that consideration of these questions is no longer necessary to fulfill its statutory responsibilities. Other more effective methods are now available to evaluate an applicant’s proposed operations and attendant public safety considerations,” the authority wrote in an advisory.
“New York’s hospitality industry is unmatched, and our restaurants, bars and nightlife are a big part of what makes our communities so vibrant,” Hochul said in a statement. “By eliminating this antiquated restriction on dancing, we’re making it easier for businesses to succeed and for New Yorkers and visitors alike to experience the energy and excitement that define our state.”
Lily Fan, chair of the Liquor Authority, said in a statement that the agency “should be focused on public safety, quality of life, and the overall operation of licensed businesses — not on whether patrons choose to dance.”