Governor Kathy Hochul brought in actor Kevin Bacon this week to help announce that New York has eliminated a state licensing requirement that once forced bar owners to disclose whether they planned to allow dancing on their premises.
Under the old rule, applicants for bar operator licenses in New York had to answer a question about dancing on their license applications. Under Hochul’s new policy, bar owners can now leave that question blank, and the state has directed licensing agencies not to let a blank answer affect whether an application gets approved, according to AM NY.
Bacon, who starred in the 1984 film “Footloose” about a town that banned dancing, appeared alongside Hochul for the announcement.
“New Yorkers have been working so hard, punching their cards and now at our great bars and restaurants across the state, you can finally cut loose,” Hochul said. “We’ve eliminated outdated restrictions on dancing in bars and restaurants to uplift our local businesses and give New Yorkers more opportunities to take advantage of all the great entertainment opportunities we have to offer.”
New York State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan also weighed in on the change.
“Governor Hochul has made clear that New York should support thriving small businesses and a hospitality industry that reflects the way people live and gather today. By removing this outdated question, we are making the licensing process simpler and more sensible while keeping the SLA focused where it belongs — on public safety, quality of life, and responsible operation,” Fan said. “New York’s restaurants, bars, and venues bring people together and fill our communities with energy. Dancing is good for the soul — so let’s cut loose and celebrate!”
Business climate concerns persist
The announcement comes as New York continues to face broader business and population challenges. New York City lost 5,000 businesses in 2025, according to The Center Square, as Mayor Zohran Mamdani has pushed for higher business taxes to fund city spending initiatives.
The state has also seen its share of U.S. millionaires decline over the past five years, a trend associated with an estimated $11 billion loss in tax revenue.
Population movement data shows broader out-migration as well. In 2024, 134,913 taxpayers left New York state, while 121,251 new residents moved in, resulting in a net loss of 13,662 taxpayers. Many of those who left were described as married, middle-class residents.
