SantaCon 2023

Robert and Max Bookman of Pesetsky & Bookman, general and legislative counsel to the NYC Hospitality Alliance, have reminders for SantaCon 2023:

HO HO HO. It's that time of year again! Whether your welcoming jolly Santa's to celebrate SantaCon, or hoping to have more of a silent night, we want to make sure you are prepared for the annual NYC extravaganza taking place on Saturday, December 9th, 2023. 

Here are some tips, if this is one party your business would rather avoid:

1. Add an extra security person; at the door preferably.

2. Make that day 21 and over to get in. No ID, no entry. 

3. You are legally permitted to refuse entry to anyone that is visibly intoxicated. Reminder that you cannot serve anyone in that condition.

4. It is a good day to suspend any drink specials or happy hours.

5. Strictly comply with your maximum occupancy so as to avoid an overcrowded bar.

One thing you should not do is refuse entry to someone just because they are wearing a Santa outfit. It can result in a murky legal situation.