Council member suggests house party legislation

From CBS New York:

It’s a proposal that could make Brooklyn a bit more mellow, a push to prevent large and unruly gatherings by forcing people to get permission to party.

Recently, a massive house party, hosting more than 200 people, took place in the borough and some residents told CBS 2’s Derricke Dennis they’re sick of it.

Parties like that one two Sundays ago are the focus of a new proposal from City Councilman Jumaane Williams, cracking down on what he calls advertised “house clubs,” where there’s a cover charge, drinks are being sold, and huge crowds are in attendance.

“We think when there’s 200-300 people in a backyard and this happens on a routine basis, you’re really inviting trouble,” Williams said.

The proposal would mean anyone hosting a party with 40 or more people invited would have to register the event with the police.

“All we said is we have to inform the precinct and inform the community aboard. You wouldn’t have to ask for approval. You wouldn’t have to ask for permission,” Williams said.

So is this added protection, or an infringement of rights? The answer remains to be seen.

Councilman Williams also wants to create fines for people who advertise their party on social media and charge for admission and drinks, Dennis reported.

Parties the size of what the council member is targeting belong at a place of assembly, which is inspected by FDNY and assigned an occupancy limit. From FDNY:

As a matter of public safety, New York City requires a Place of Assembly (PA) Certificate of Operation for all premises where the Certificate of Occupancy indicates that 75 or more members of the public may gather indoors or 200 or more may gather outdoors for religious, recreational, educational, political or social purposes, to consume food or drink, await transportation, or any similar group activities. When such groups gather, it is necessary to ensure that the space is safe and issues, such as proper egress and emergency lighting, are appropriately addressed.

The certificate of occupancy for a private house generally does not allow 40 or more people to be on premises at once. I would think that parties of the volume that the council member is trying to regulate are already technically illegal and there are agencies responsible for monitoring the issue other than NYPD, like FDNY and/or DOB. In addition, those advertising their parties on social media and charging for admission and drinks have now turned their residence into a business. That's already illegal and subject to DOB fines. Good luck getting any enforcement.