LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN RESTAURANTS?

According to The New York State Restaurant Association: "Also, we received clarification from the State Liquor Authority that a licensed establishment can host a comedy night or a trivia night, as long as it’s open to the public, and all spacing, party size, PPE, congregating, etc. guidelines are followed." See https://www.nysra.org/covid-19-reopening-info-and-resources.html

But according to the New York State Liquor Authority:

"Restaurants  and other on premises food and beverage establishments that have a license through the SLA are only allowed to offer on-premise music if their license certificate specifically allows for such activity (i.e., live music, DJ, recorded, etc.). A manufacturer that has an on premises license also must assure that its on premises license certificate specifically allows for the type of music it is offering.  A manufacturer without a separate on premises license may offer music unless its license certificate specifically prohibits such music. 

If offering music, indoors or out, all relevant aspects of the respective Department of Health guidance dining must be followed, e.g., patrons should not be standing except for necessary reasons (e.g., restroom, entering/exiting), standing patrons should wear face coverings, etc.   Performers should be at least 12 feet from patrons. 

All other forms of live entertainment, such as exotic dancing, comedy shows, karaoke etc., are not permissible currently regardless of phase. 

Additionally, please note that only incidental music is permissible at this time.  This means that advertised and/or ticketed shows are not permissible.  Music should be incidental to the dining experience and not the draw itself."

See Phase 3/4 Guidelines for Licensed On-Premises Establishments