ALBANY, N.Y. - The Cabaret Law being proposed by the city of Albany wouldn't just affect businesses, but churches as well.
"I'm not sure the bishop wants to be known as the cabaret of the Immaculate Conception," said David Metz, Treasurer of the First Unitarian Universalist Society.
It is one of several Albany churches upset that they are getting lumped in with bars and restaurants when it comes to needing a Cabaret License in order to have amplified musical events.
"The events that we have here don't involve a lot of hooting and hollering, people running up and down the street drunk, that just doesn't happen," said Metz.
The new law, discussed before the Planning Committee Wednesday night, would not be required for church services, but would affect any other events involving three or more performers.
For First Unitarian that's 50 to 60 days a year.
"We've had outside choirs from SUNY Albany come here and sing" said Metz. "A group that does English country dancing once a month and we would need a permit to allow that to continue."
The city says this law has nothing to do with troubled spots in the city or noise complaints.
"All the places that do engage in that, karaoke, dance, live performance are currently in violation of zoning laws and have been and should be in court," said Patrick Jordan of the city. "This is a way to make them compliant so they don't have to get them in trouble in the near future."
For businesses that serve alcohol a permit will cost anywhere from $150 dollars to $500 depending on venue size, while places that don't serve alcohol like churches and coffee shops will pay $50 dollars a year.
However, this church says it's not about the money, it's about the principle.
"It could have a significant impact on the musical cultural life in the city of Albany," said Metz.
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