Today CBS news reports: Brooklyn City Councilman Rafael Espinal (D-37th) introduced the bill to repeal the law, saying dancing doesn’t need to be licensed.
“Artist, musicians, businesses owners, workers, and everyday New Yorkers looking to let loose will no longer have to fear the dance police will shut down their favorite venues,” Espinal said in the news release Monday. “We are doubling down on our commitment to keep New York as a true sanctuary city and we will not allow a law that has historically been used to suppress and oppress various groups, continue to stay in our books.”
This morning in New York Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a repeal of an old law prohibiting dancing in the city's bars and restaurants. It is a law, known as the cabaret law that was put in place during prohibition era 91 years ago, in order to patrol speakeasies. It specified that a cabaret license was needed if dancing was to be allowed in the bar. Only a small fraction on NYC bars have the license and the last time the cabaret laws were used to crack down on bars and restaurants was during the Giuliani era. The repeal will go into effect in March.
To celebrate I am releasing a new open edition of prints of my popular Jazz Club painting. and will release a limited editions of ¡Baila! and Habanero, which you can pre-order now. Order before December 14th for delivery by December 24th.
¡Baila! limited edition prints, 22" x 30" edition of 50 signed and numbered, SOLD OUT
Panteleon Social Club, large scale limited edition prints, from 60" X 42" to 24" X 17", SOLD OUT
