In 2026, after years of advocacy from dancers, business owners, nightlife leaders, and more than 4,600 petition signers, New York State ended outdated restrictions on social dancing in bars and restaurants.

That victory was an important step toward restoring cultural freedom in New York.

But one significant problem remains.

Today, applicants for liquor licenses are often asked to disclose what type of music they intend to offer. Community Boards and the State Liquor Authority may impose conditions that restrict DJs, live bands, amplified music, or other forms of musical expression. As a result, venues can face unnecessary barriers simply for wanting to host cultural programming that their communities enjoy.

We believe government should regulate excessive noise—not culture.

If a venue violates noise regulations, existing laws already provide tools for enforcement. But whether a business features a jazz trio, salsa band, DJ, folk musicians, house music, hip-hop artists, or other performers should not determine whether that business can receive or maintain a liquor license.

Music is protected expression. It is also a vital part of New York's cultural identity and economic vitality.

These restrictions disproportionately affect small businesses, immigrant communities, Black and Latino cultural traditions, LGBTQ+ spaces, and independent artists who rely on local venues to share their work and build community.

For generations, New York has been a global center for music and nightlife. From jazz in Harlem to salsa in the Bronx, bhangra in Queens, folk music in Brooklyn, and electronic music across the city, our cultural life has flourished when creativity is encouraged rather than restricted.

We call upon Governor Hochul, the New York State Liquor Authority, and state lawmakers to:

• Remove music-related restrictions from liquor license applications and approvals.

• End unnecessary "Method of Operation" conditions that prohibit DJs, live bands, or other musical performances.

• Ensure that liquor licensing decisions focus on public safety, not artistic expression.

• Respect the First Amendment rights of musicians, artists, venues, and audiences.

New York has already taken important steps by repealing the Cabaret Law, reforming zoning restrictions, and ending state regulation of social dancing.

Now it's time to finish the job.

Sign this petition and help ensure that music—not bureaucracy—defines New York's cultural future.

To learn more and join the campaign, visit:

LegalizeDance.org