Council Member Rafael Espinal is looking out for the nightlife of New York City. Introduction 1688-A, which is sponsored by Espinal would establish a Nightlife Advisory Board and an Office of Nightlife. These two entities sound almost contradictory, but what this does is assist nightlife establishments in many of the fields that they feel pressured in. The Board would consist of 12 members and their task would be to evaluate City laws and policies to make recommendations that address common trends in the nightlife industry. The Office would act as a liaison between nightlife establishments, residents, and governments. If dressed appropriately, the legislation could make it past the Mayor’s rope line.

Clubs are having a hard time staying open, and more importantly, making any money. If you need proof of this, take a walk throughout New York City, and look at all the “For Sale” or “Foreclosure” notices on their front doors. “NYC’s nightlife culture is an integral part of its identity, yet bureaucratic red tape, rising rents and lack of community planning has made it increasingly difficult for venues that contribute to our iconic nightlife to stay in business,” said Council Member Rafael Espinal. The purpose of this bill is to create a space where everyone can come together to solve problems and build relationships in an effective and easy manner.

These establishments are struggling and the continued disconnect between the clubs and city hall is only making things more difficult to stay in business. So, in the words of Rafael Espinal, “It is time NYC dedicate resources to this sector of our economy that produces not only financial capital, but also, cultural capital for our city.”

Thankfully, Espinal is also receiving support for this project. Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito feels that Intro 1688-A aims to resolve the bureaucratic issues and other problems that can often stymie the growth of nightlife-related businesses. Those ridiculously long rope-lines you see to get into the clubs may not seem so great while you’re on the end of them, but they are a representation of the club’s success. New York City has one of the most vibrant nightlife cultures in our country, and we should do everything we can to keep it that way. So, let’s leave the table-turning to the DJ’s and keep our nightlife as vibrant as ever.