April 3, 2021 | Newsletter

Large performing arts and sports venues are allowed to reopen. Outdoor venues with 2,500+ capacity are capped at 20%; indoor venues with 1,500+ capacity are capped at 10%. Proof of a negative Covid-19 test or immunization is required for all attendees. Venues must follow the guidelines outlined in the New York State Department of Health’s Interim Guidance for Large Scale Performing Arts and Entertainment Venues during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. (We expect the guidance to be posted shortly on the New York Forward Phase Four Industries webpage.)

Small and Medium performances and live entertainment events are allowed to resume. Indoor venues with a capacity of less than 1,500 attendees can reopen at 33% capacity up to 100 people or 150 people with proof of a negative Covid-19 test or immunization from all attendees. Outdoor venues with a capacity of less than 2,500 attendees can reopen at 33% capacity, with up to 200 people or 500 people with proof of a negative Covid-19 test or immunization from all attendees. Social distancing and face coverings will be required for all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable NYS Department of Health guidance. 

See Newly released - NY State Guidance: NYS Department of Health Interim Guidance for Small and Medium Scale Performing Arts and Entertainment during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (pdf)

The State is lifting the 11 p.m. curfew currently in place for casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys, billiards halls, gyms and fitness centers. The 11 p.m. curfew for food and beverage establishments and the 12 a.m. curfew for catered events will remain in effect. See Governor’s announcement for more details.

If you wish to offer a live performance that exceeds the social gathering limit (but is within the limits established by the State for performances when the audience is COVID-19 tested or vaccinated) you MUST notify the NYC Department of Health at least five (5) days in advance. (The Health Department is updating this form to specifically address live performance, but you may begin using it before those updates are made).

Earlier this week, New York State passed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, which creates the framework that will build a regulated industry to replace the illegal market. The full text of the law and a summary of the law are available on the NYS Senate’s website. We expect to provide guidance on this new law and its impact on the hospitality industry in the coming weeks.

Get ready now to apply with Curtains Up NYC, a City program to provide application assistance to live-performance venues, organizations and workers applying for the SVOG. See more information below. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application deadline has been extended to MAY 31. 

To connect New York City’s small business owners to federal relief funds, the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) has launched Fair Share NYC, offering free webinars, technical assistance and access to lenders to help businesses interested in applying for PPP loans. For more information, visit nyc.gov/ppp or call 888-SBS-4NYC.

Applications for the NYC Open Streets program are now open. Administered by the NYC Department of Transportation, the program allows communities to dedicate roadway space to pedestrians and cyclists. Interested businesses and community partners can learn more and apply now at: nyc.gov/openstreets.

Outdoor performances continue to roll out in neighborhoods across the city. The program, which runs through October 31, allows ticketed, socially distanced, outdoor performances at nearly 200 street locations throughout the five boroughs. 

Earlier this week, New York State announced that people ages 30 and older are now eligible for vaccinations, and next Tuesday, April 6, vaccine eligibility will open to everyone ages 16 and older. 

For information about who is eligible and where to get the vaccine, please visit the NYC Vaccine Command Center website. Eligible New Yorkers can find vaccination sites and make an appointment online at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (1-877-829-4692). 

This past Wednesday, March 31, the Mayor's Office of Media & Entertainment and the NYC Department of Health hosted a COVID-19 Vaccine Town Call for the Arts, Entertainment & Nightlife Community sharing updates on the COVID-19 virus and information about access to vaccines.