11-19-2003, 11:10 PM
http://1010wins.com/topstories/winstopst...62447.html
Nov 19, 2003 4:23 pm US/Eastern
(1010 WINS) (NEW YORK) Dance-happy New Yorkers had reason to kick up their heels Wednesday over proposed new legislation that would overturn the city's boogie-blocking cabaret law.
"The dance police no longer exist," promised Consumer Affairs commissioner Gretchen Dykstra, unveiling her new plan at a news conference inside a Tribeca nightclub.
Under the old law, passed in 1926, patrons were not permitted to lambada, twist or moonwalk in any establishment without a cabaret license. The original law was passed to crack down on Prohibition-era speakeasies and Harlem jazz clubs.
In recent years, the city had padlocked several well-known clubs -- including Hogs and Heifers and Coney Island High -- over dance violations. The new regulations would allow everyone to get footloose.
"We feel energized that dancing will not be regulated in New York City," said Eric Demby of Legalize Dancing NYC, which had organized a hokey-pokey protest at City Hall against the cabaret laws.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg was expected to present the proposal to the City Council on Nov. 26. The plan requires council approval.
Under the plan, the city would issue "nightlife licenses" to clubs and bars that meet certain qualifications, Dykstra said. Nightlife establishments that serve beer or food would need a two-year license if they were:
-- Located in a residential or mixed-use neighborhood.
-- Had a capacity of more than 75 people.
-- Played music at a level above 90 decibels.
-- Remained open past 1 a.m.
Establishments in commercial, manufacturing and certain mixed use zones would need a capacity of more than 200 -- along with the other factors -- to require a license.
Consumer Affairs will monitor clubs to insure they stay within the recommended decibel level.
Three violations of the license criteria within 12 months would lead to a 30-day padlocking. Currently, the city issues more than 300 cabaret licenses, while between 750-1,000 businesses will need a nightlife license, Dykstra said.
The proposal, more than a year in the making, had the support of several club owners and restaurateurs.
"This is a rather elegant solution to a difficult and long-standing problem," said Jared Hoffman, head of the Knitting Factory, the well-known Manhattan club which hosted the news conference.
Dykstra noted that under the old laws, patrons of the club -- which has hosted Lou Reed and dozens of other New York acts -- were not permitted to dance.
"People can't shake their bootys when they come to the Knitting Factory," she said. "And we find that a little bizarre."
Nov 19, 2003 4:23 pm US/Eastern
(1010 WINS) (NEW YORK) Dance-happy New Yorkers had reason to kick up their heels Wednesday over proposed new legislation that would overturn the city's boogie-blocking cabaret law.
"The dance police no longer exist," promised Consumer Affairs commissioner Gretchen Dykstra, unveiling her new plan at a news conference inside a Tribeca nightclub.
Under the old law, passed in 1926, patrons were not permitted to lambada, twist or moonwalk in any establishment without a cabaret license. The original law was passed to crack down on Prohibition-era speakeasies and Harlem jazz clubs.
In recent years, the city had padlocked several well-known clubs -- including Hogs and Heifers and Coney Island High -- over dance violations. The new regulations would allow everyone to get footloose.
"We feel energized that dancing will not be regulated in New York City," said Eric Demby of Legalize Dancing NYC, which had organized a hokey-pokey protest at City Hall against the cabaret laws.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg was expected to present the proposal to the City Council on Nov. 26. The plan requires council approval.
Under the plan, the city would issue "nightlife licenses" to clubs and bars that meet certain qualifications, Dykstra said. Nightlife establishments that serve beer or food would need a two-year license if they were:
-- Located in a residential or mixed-use neighborhood.
-- Had a capacity of more than 75 people.
-- Played music at a level above 90 decibels.
-- Remained open past 1 a.m.
Establishments in commercial, manufacturing and certain mixed use zones would need a capacity of more than 200 -- along with the other factors -- to require a license.
Consumer Affairs will monitor clubs to insure they stay within the recommended decibel level.
Three violations of the license criteria within 12 months would lead to a 30-day padlocking. Currently, the city issues more than 300 cabaret licenses, while between 750-1,000 businesses will need a nightlife license, Dykstra said.
The proposal, more than a year in the making, had the support of several club owners and restaurateurs.
"This is a rather elegant solution to a difficult and long-standing problem," said Jared Hoffman, head of the Knitting Factory, the well-known Manhattan club which hosted the news conference.
Dykstra noted that under the old laws, patrons of the club -- which has hosted Lou Reed and dozens of other New York acts -- were not permitted to dance.
"People can't shake their bootys when they come to the Knitting Factory," she said. "And we find that a little bizarre."