There’s already been one Footloose remake so far, but a recent report out of New York City might inspire some kind of sequel—Fact Magazine reports that the Big Apple has had a no-dancing law on its books for the last 100 years or so, which it’s finally getting around to considering repealing. This Cabaret Law was enacted in 1926, which was, fittingly enough, during Prohibition. It requires any space open to the public that sells food or drink to purchase a cabaret license in order to allow any dancing to occur in said space, which means it effectively bans dancing from occurring in most bars, nightclubs, etc. So of course, former mayor Rudy Giuliani was a big fan of it, with the cabaret law having been used to help “clean up” Times Square, and also give police cause to enter just about any nightclub.
But thanks to the efforts of dance groups and New York City councilman Rafael Espinal, the no-officially-sanctioned-dancing days may soon be over. They’ve put pressure on the city to repeal the law, and institute a “night mayor” who’d help oversee DIY art spaces. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for June 19. Should the law be repealed, we think we know what they can do to celebrate.