“The first bill before me is Introductory Number 366-A, sponsored by Speaker Quinn, Council Members Vallone, Brewer, Comrie, Felder, Fidler, Garodnick, Gennaro, Gentile, Gerson, Gonzalez, Katz, Koppell, Liu, Martinez, Nelson, Palma, Recchia, Seabrook, Sears, Stewart, and Weprin. This bill seeks to protect patrons of New York City’s clubs and entertainment venues that employ security guards and bouncers by giving our local law enforcement agencies the ability to crack down on establishments that do not comply with existing State laws.

“State law already requires that security guards undergo background checks, training and registration with the State. Under Intro 366-A, all security guards, including bouncers, must be properly licensed. This bill would also require such establishments to keep proof of their compliance with State law on file and ready for inspection. If businesses are not complying with the law, if security staff are not registered properly, we can shut down that bar or club. And if cabarets fail to comply, their cabaret licenses will be in jeopardy. And finally, clubs and other entertainment establishments not complying with these new regulations will put their place of assembly permits at risk, too.

“Intro 366-A will help ensure that New York City’s famous nightlife remains both vibrant and safe for the millions of people who enjoy it each year.

“I would like to thank Speaker Christine Quinn and Councilman Peter Vallone, Jr. for their collaborative leadership on this issue. I would also like to thank Criminal Justice Coordinator John Feinblatt, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and their staffs for their hard work on this legislation and their ongoing commitment to protecting New York City.”