HELP REPEAL THE CABARET LAW

• Albany was once a thriving college town with an active downtown.
• Like something out of the movie Footloose, city government created the Cabaret Law to put tight constrictions on how Albany establishments could have live music or DJs.
• This caused nightlife to dry up. Once bustling areas of downtown, such as Lark St. or North Pearl St., are now ghost towns at night.
• This has been exacerbated by COVID, the expansion of Albany Medical Center, and the shuttering of the College of St. Rose.
• Cabaret laws have a racist history. They were implemented in NYC in the early 20th Century to 'contain' establishments that catered to African Americans. Although NYC has long since abolished their Cabaret Law, 'selective enforcement' continues here in Albany.

• A proposal to repeal the Cabaret Law will be brought forth at Common Council on Monday, June 16th. But ONLY if we pack the chambers with public commenters.
• 8 out of 15 councilmembers support the repeal.
• The Mayor is expected to veto the repeal.
• We need the support of at least TWO MORE of these councilmembers to override the veto.

If you live in Albany, you may want to reach out to your specific council member for your Ward.

• TIMES UNION - April 25, 2024: Nothing to do in Albany? Blame the Cabaret Law.
• TIMES UNION - Oct 2, 2024: Push on to repeal Albany’s cabaret license to fix ‘pretty dead’ nightlife
• ALBANY CITY CODE: Cabaret Licenses