New York City

Everybody Cut Footloose! NYC May Repeal Prohibition-Era Law Banning Dancing at Most City Bars, Restaurants

What to Know

  • The law requiring a cabaret license for dancing was originally enacted in 1926 during Prohibition
  • Out of more than 20,000 bars and restaurants in the city, fewer than 100 actually have the license
  • Councilman Rafael Espinal, D-Brooklyn, introduced the bill to repeal the law, saying dancing doesn't need to be licensed

New York City officials say they support getting rid of a nearly century-old law that bans dancing at a majority of the city's bars and restaurants. 

Lindsay Greene, a senior adviser to Mayor de Blasio's administration, said at a City Council hearing Thursday that City Hall supports new legislation that would repeal the cabaret law, which makes dancing illegal without a cabaret license.

Out of more than 20,000 bars and restaurants in the city, fewer than 100 actually have the license. 

Greene says there are better ways than the current law to create a strong nightlife economy while ensuring safety. 

The law was originally enacted in 1926 during Prohibition. Councilman Rafael Espinal, D-Brooklyn, introduced the bill to repeal the law, saying dancing doesn't need to be licensed.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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