New York authorities are considering introducing a mandatory ‘nightlife licence’ for any bars or nightclubs which stay open past 1am.

The new licence has been proposed partly due to problems caused by New York’s smoking ban, which has meant customers overcrowding the streets outside venues observing the ban.

It is estimated that over 1,000 establishments in the city would need to obtain the new licence, as opposed to the 300 venues which are currently required to have a cabaret licence.

Under the new legislation, all venues with a capacity of over 75 customers and music played louder than 90 decibels would need a two year licence which could be revoked instantly for accruing a variety of offences including sanitation, underage drinking or noise violations.

The new licence would also mean that establishments would be responsible for both what goes on inside their venue and also outside on the street as a condition to keeping the license.

Some entertainment organisations, including the New York Nightlife Association, predict that the licence could decimate the entertainment sector of the city and have said that it is completely ‘unworkable’ for any establishment to operate under the new license conditions. Details: www.nyna.org