Albany, N.Y. – Working to protect the character of family-oriented neighborhoods, Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas announced that her legislation, the Community Full Disclosure Act (CFDA), has passed the state Assembly. Simotas’s bill will improve the quality of information accessible to local community boards and municipalities around the state in determining what types of establishments are appropriate for their communities.
“I am so proud that my district and communities around the state will have better information to make the right decisions for their neighborhoods,” Simotas said. In recent months, a handful of businesses have attempted to open in Western Queens promising adult entertainment. Simotas emphasized, “It should be absolutely clear from an application what kind of business an applicant intends to conduct in our community.”
An omission in the liquor license application and renewal form prevented the local Community Board from discovering the businesses’ intention to offer pole- and lap- dances from women in their underwear or bikinis. Currently, the only detail an owner can provide about adult entertainment is whether employees will be appearing topless. Simotas’s CFDA rectifies these oversights and closes the loophole that allows adult businesses to operate without well-informed input from the Community Board or community residents.
“Residents need to be aware of exactly what types of businesses will be operating near their homes, schools, and senior centers and should be given a fair opportunity to scrutinize whether or not such establishments belong in their neighborhood,” Simotas said. “This legislation, at its core, is wholly aimed at expanding the voice of citizens. “