According to the Newport Beach Municipal Code 5.32.020, "No person shall conduct, allow or permit a cafe dance on any premises under his ownership, management or control without first having obtained a permit from the City Manager as hereinafter provided."

Cafe Dancing is defined as "any dance which is open to the public without the payment of an admission fee, which is conducted in a restaurant, cafe, night club, bar, coffee house, or other place where food or beverages are sold for consumption on the premises."

I have experienced the effects of this law first hand at establishments such as the Village Inn. When music is playing, our hearts are dancing, yet they do not allow for people to express themselves in that way.

Currently, you may allow cafe dancing in your establishment, as long as it is a private event, or if you purchase a permit granted you match the requirements. This is complicated and not all establishments can make the accommodations in order to receive a permit.

One example would be Woody's Wharf. They opened in the 60s and were known for their dancing. however, after the new Cafe Dancing Law, they were not allowed to open up the dance floor. After applying and been granted a permit to allow dancing again, the city changed the Municipal Code and took their permit away. After the case was brought to the California Appeals Court, which reversed the decision, Woody's Wharf again became a place of song and dance.

The only way we can allow all establishments to freely open up their dance floors, would be to legalize cafe dancing. Doing this, people don't have to be told to sit down while a live band is playing, or even kicked out.

While it is corny, I must frankly say, that "there was a time for this law, but not anymore. See, this is our time to dance" (Ren McCormack). With your help, we can get out of Bomont and back to Newport Beach