HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/11/2025 - Regular - Additional Docs-Cabaret LicensesLong version:
FEB 1 1 2025
Good evening members of the Port Orchard City Council, 122 COUNCIL MEETING
Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. I am here to discuss the issue of cabaret licenses and
why I believe they should no longer be required in our city. While the intention behind such licenses
may have been to address legitimate concerns, they have become unnecessary and
counterproductive in today's context.
Concerns with Cabaret Licenses
1. Impediment to Artistic Freedom
Live performances are vital forms of artistic expression. The requirement for a cabaret
License creates an additional layer of restriction, potentially limiting what venues can offer
and, in some cases, acting as a form of censorship. Port Orchard deserves a thriving arts
and entertainment scene that reflects our community's diversity and vibrancy, not one
constrained by outdated regulations.
2. Burden on Small Businesses
For small businesses and new establishments, the cabaret license application process
adds unnecessary costs, can be complicated, and consumes valuable time from business
owners. These additional burdens discourage entrepreneurship, limit economic
opportunities, and stifle growth in the local nightlife and entertainment sector. In a
community like ours, where small businesses are the backbone of the economy, we should
focus on removing barriers, not adding more.
3. Financial Inefficiency and Waste
Processing a cabaret license requires significant time and effort from multiple city staff
members —often involving as many as four departments, including the city clerk,
Department of Community Development (DCD), fire code officials, and the billing
department. The administrative costs of this process far outweigh the revenue generated by
the license, resulting in inefficient use of tax dollars. These resources could be better
allocated to address more pressing priorities within our city.
4. Outdated and Redundant Regulations
Cabaret licenses are relics of a bygone era, rooted in outdated social and cultural norms
that no longer align with modern practices. Current regulations —such as fire codes, liquor
Licensing, and occupancy limits —already provide comprehensive safeguards to ensure
public safety and proper management of entertainment venues. Adding a layer of cabaret
license reviews by the Department of Community Development (DCD) and Fire Code
Officials is redundant, inefficient, and an unnecessary drain on city personnel and
resources.
5. Potential for Discriminatory and Inequitable Enforcement
Cabaret licenses can be applied inconsistently, raising concerns about selective
enforcement. This not only erodes trust in the fairness of city regulations but can also
disproportionately impact certain venues and communities, which runs counter to the
values of fairness our community expects from the City of Port Orchard and its staff.
Precedent: New York City's Decision
Port Orchard is not alone in grappling with this issue. In 2017, New York City rescinded its long-
standing cabaret license requirement. The city recognized that the regulation was outdated, overly
burdensome, and ineffective in,addressing public safety concerns. Instead, they opted to rely on
existing regulations; such as fire and safety codes, to manage nightlife venues. This decision has
since been lauded for promoting artistic expression, supporting small businesses, and
streamlining administrative processes. Port Orchard can follow this example and embrace a
modern, inclusive approach to regulating entertainment.
Proposed Alternatives
Instead of requiring cabaret licenses, I urge the Council to consider more effective, equitable, and
modern approaches:
• Engaging the Community: Leverage existing zoning regulations or community boards to
address concerns about specific venues. This approach allows for local input and
involvement, ensuring that concerns are addressed on a case -by -case basis, without
imposing blanket restrictions or unnecessary burdens on local businesses. By involving the
community, we can create solutions that balance public interests with the need to support
local entrepreneurship and creativity.
• Use Existing Targeted Regulations: Ratherthan introducing broad, burdensome
requirements, we can address specific concerns like noise, crowd management, and safety
through our existing targeted ordinances. These regulations already focus on key issues
without stifling artistic expression or hindering small business operations. This approach
allows us to maintain public safety while enabling businesses in the nightlife and
entertainment sectors to thrive, all without adding unnecessary barriers to entry,
paperwork, or costs.
• Clear and Transparent Guidelines: If additional regulation is deemed necessary, it's
crucial to establish clear, objective criteria to determine which performances require
oversight. These guidelines should be designed to prevent confusion or arbitrary
enforcement, especially regarding activities that businesses are already authorized to
conduct. Furthermore, the regulation should clearly outline the specific safety measures
and services it would provide, demonstrating clear, tangible benefits for businesses. This
ensures that businesses can comply with regulations easily while understanding the value
these measures bring.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cabaret license requirement no longer serves its intended purpose and poses
more harm than good to Port Orchard's small businesses, artists, and cultural vitality. Additionally,
it represents a financial inefficiency, costing the city more in staff time and resources than it
generates in revenue. Furthermore, the inequities in billing and enforcement documented under
the current system further underscore the need for reform. By removing this requirement —just as
New York City successfully did —we can foster a more vibrant, inclusive, and thriving community
while still addressing public safety and order through existing regulations.
Thank you for considering this issue, and I hope we can work together to modernize our approach
to regulating entertainment in Port Orchard. I welcome any questions or further discussion.
Sincerely,
Robert McGee
360-710-6321