The 14-member body will advise the Mayor and the City Council on issues affecting the nightlife industry
Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Johnson, and Council Member Espinal today announced the appointment of the 14 members of the City’s first-ever Nightlife Advisory Board. As a complement to the newly formed Office of Nightlife, the all-volunteer board is charged with making recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on ways to improve regulations and policies that impact nightlife establishments.
Ranging from DJs and hospitality advocates to regulatory attorneys, the appointees bring a variety of perspectives and expertise on New York City’s celebrated nightlife.
“New York City’s nightlife is second to none. It attracts visitors from around the world and is an economic engine across the five boroughs,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The new Nightlife Advisory Board reflects the diversity that makes our city and our nightlife great. Working together, we will ensure the industry continues to thrive.”
“Native New Yorkers and tourists alike love the City for its exhilarating and vibrant nightlife culture, but businesses should not have to face bureaucratic obstacles when they are trying to give people what they want: a fun time out in the City that never sleeps. The establishment of the Nightlife Advisory Board gives stakeholders a voice and path to solutions, and I thank Council Member Rafael Espinal for his leadership and continued advocacy for the nightlife community,” said Speaker Corey Johnson.
The Nightlife Advisory Board will issue formal recommendations to the Mayor and the Council that will address the regulatory structure of the nightlife industry; common complaints about nightlife establishments; public safety concerns related to nightlife; zoning, enforcement, nightlife workforce conditions and the integration of nightlife into the city’s various neighborhoods. All members will serve two year terms.
“I am thrilled to welcome the members of the new Nightlife Advisory Board, which represents a cross-section of stakeholders in both the industry and communities affected by it,” said Julie Menin, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. “Working together, I know we can help nightlife establishments comply with well-thought out regulations while ensuring that our communities maintain the kind of quality of life they deserve.”
“I am very excited to work with the Nightlife Advisory Board, and look forward to the important and diverse insight they will bring,” said Ariel Palitz, Senior Executive Director of the Office of Nightlife. “Along with the recent hiring of the full Office of Nightlife staff, the stage is set to accomplish the very significant work ahead.”
Mayoral Appointees
José Francisco Ávila, founder and managing member of Garufina Afro-Latina Entertainment, LLC. and Chairman of the Board of The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc.
Kurtis Blow, rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, DJ and Chairman of the Universal Hip Hop Museum who has released 15 albums over the course of his career
DJ Tikka Masala composes and produces music for the Obie and Bessie award winning Brooklyn based feminist acrobatic dance company, LAVA, and is resident DJ at Henrietta Hudson
Susan Stetzer, district manager for Community Board 3, Manhattan, where she has served for the past 14 years
Luisa F. Torres, owner of Mojitos Restaurant Bar and community activist
City Council Appointees
Robert Bookman, regulatory and liquor licensing attorney, partner Pesetsky and Bookman
Marti Gould Cummings, drag artist, LGBTQ advocate
Alvester Garnett, drummer, percussionist, arts educator and advocate
Pedro Goico, representative at New York Supermarket Association
Olympia Kazi, architect, arts advocate and urban design critic. Member of the NYC Artists Coalition
Andrew Praschak, environmental attorney
Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance
David Rosen, Brooklyn and Queens bar operator and community organizer, co-founder of Brooklyn Allied Bars and Restaurants (BABAR)
Susan Xenarios, director and founder, Crime Victims Treatment Center, Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals
