What's happening
This bill, "Imette's Law," requires cabarets to install and maintain digital security cameras at all patron entrances and exits, with specific technical and privacy requirements.
Why it matters
Implementation of detailed technical standards for surveillance. The bill specifies not just that cameras must be installed, but exactly where (all patron entrances and exits, covering a defined area), how (digital, high-resolution, low-light capable, at least 15 frames per second), and for how long recordings must be kept (minimum 30 days), ensuring genuine utility for investigations rather than mere compliance.
Strict control and documentation of access to footage. It mandates locked storage, access logs, written certifications for authorized personnel, and reporting to the licensing authority. This aims to protect privacy and prevent misuse or unauthorized dissemination of surveillance recordings, addressing both security and civil liberties concerns.
Clear penalties for misuse and enforcement mechanisms. Unauthorized use or sharing of footage, particularly if it violates penal or civil rights laws, triggers significant consequences—suspension or loss of license and fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The law also requires periodic inspections and compliance reporting, signaling a shift toward active enforcement rather than passive regulation.
Public notification and transparency. Required signage at cabarets alerts patrons to the presence and location of surveillance cameras, ensuring individuals are aware they may be recorded and supporting informed consent and public trust in nightlife safety measures.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Cameras in Nightclubs
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to economic development
- Referred to economic development
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require Club Security Cameras
In Senate Committee · Commerce, Economic Development And Small Business · Sponsor Jamaal Bailey
Full text
3 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5935
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 20, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. ORTIZ -- read once and referred to the Committee on Economic Development
AN ACT to amend the alcoholic beverage control law, in relation to mandating the installation of security cameras in cabaret establishments
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as "Imette's Law".
§ 2. The alcoholic beverage control law is amended by adding a new section 64-e to read as follows:
§ 64-e. Installation of security cameras in cabaret establishments. 1. No one shall operate a cabaret licensed pursuant to this section unless all entrances and exits used by patrons are equipped with digital video surveillance cameras, provided, however, that this section shall not apply to an establishment that operates primarily as a restaurant, as defined by section sixty-four-c of this article, during all hours of operation.
2. Digital video surveillance systems shall comply with the following provisions and with the rules of the authority:
(a) the video surveillance cameras shall be digital in nature and shall be of sufficient number, type, placement and location to view and record all activity in front of and within fifteen feet of either side of each entrance or exit;
(b) the video surveillance cameras shall be sufficiently light sensitive and provide sufficient image resolution (supported by additional lighting if necessary) to produce easily discernible images recorded at all times;
(c) the video surveillance cameras shall record at a minimum speed of fifteen frames per second;
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05448-01-9
A. 5935 2
(d) the video surveillance camera images shall be capable of being viewed through use of appropriate technology, including but not limited to a computer screen or closed circuit television monitor;
(e) the video surveillance camera system shall be capable of transferring the recorded images to a portable form of media, including but not limited to compact disc or digital video disc;
(f) the video surveillance cameras shall not have an audio capability;
(g) the video surveillance cameras shall be maintained in good working condition;
(h) except as otherwise provided by rule, the video surveillance cameras shall be in operation and recording continuously during all hours of operation of the cabaret and for two hours after the cabaret closes;
(i) the recordings made by video surveillance cameras installed and maintained pursuant to this section shall be indexed by dates and times and preserved for a minimum of thirty days so that they may be made available to the authority, the police department and other government agencies acting in furtherance of a criminal investigation or a civil or administrative law enforcement purpose;
(j) all recordings made by video surveillance cameras installed and maintained pursuant to this section while in the possession of the cabaret shall be stored in a locked receptacle located in a controlled access area, to which only authorized personnel have access, or shall otherwise be secured so that only authorized personnel may access such video recordings. All personnel authorized to access such video recordings must certify in writing that they have been informed on the appropriate use and retention of recordings as set forth in this section, and on the legal issues associated with video surveillance and the use and retention of recordings. The cabaret shall keep a log of all instances of requests for access to, and dissemination and use of, recorded materials made by video surveillance cameras installed and maintained pursuant to this section. Copies of the certifications by authorized employees and of the access log shall be provided to the authority in accordance with its rules;
(k) the use or dissemination of recordings made by video surveillance cameras installed and maintained pursuant to this section in violation of the penal law or section fifty of the civil rights law shall result in suspension or revocation of a license and a fine of not less than five thousand dollars nor more than fifty thousand dollars; and
(l) the cabaret shall post signage at appropriate locations, as determined by rule of the authority, to notify the public of its use of video surveillance equipment and the locations of video surveillance equipment so that the public has sufficient warning that surveillance is in operation.
3. Each person subject to the provisions of this section shall submit, or ensure the submission of, a report to the authority within thirty days after the effective date of this section, or, in the case of a new cabaret within thirty days after the establishment of such cabaret. Such report shall certify that the cabaret is in compliance with this section. Reports filed pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in such form and manner and containing such information as shall be provided by rule of the authority.
4. The authority shall conduct periodic inspections of licensees to ensure compliance with the use and retention policies set forth in this section.
A. 5935 3
§ 3. Rules and regulations. The chairman of the state liquor authority is hereby authorized and directed to promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this act on or before the effective date of this act.
§ 4. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.