What is the definition of a Cabaret?

Q: What is the definition of a Cabaret? What are the Code Requirements for a Cabaret?

A: Cabaret is defined by the NYC Building Code as any room, place or space in which any musical entertainment, singing, dancing or other similar amusement is permitted in connection with an eating and drinking establishment.

Cabarets are classified as F-4 Place of Assembly Occupancy Group.
The Zoning Use Group depends upon the Occupant Load and whether there is dancing or not:

Use Group 6:

• Eating or Drinking Establishments with Entertainment or Musical Entertainment, but not dancing, with a capacity of 200 persons or less.

Use Group 12:

• Eating or Drinking Establishments with Entertainment and a capacity of more than 200 Persons, or establishments of any capacity with Dancing

Some Code Requirements for Cabarets:

-Cabarets shall be equipped with Emergency Lighting per §27-542 (retroactive requirement)

-Cabarets shall be fully sprinklered per §27-954(s)(1).

-Cabarets shall have Fire Alarm Systems per §27-968(a)(10)(b).

-Cabaret Stages, Dressing Rooms, and Property Rooms shall be provided with Automatic Sprinkler and Fire Alarm protection per §27-954(s)(2), 27-549(a)(3), and §27-968(a)(10)(a).

Also:
Stages in Cabarets with Scenery or Scenic Elements shall comply with Stage Requirements for an F1-A Places of Assembly (Sprinkler Deluge required)

Stages in Cabarets without Scenery or Scenic Elements shall comply with those in F1-B Places of Assembly (§27-547):

-Raised platforms may be built as stages in F-1b places of assembly when they are supported on floors having the fire resistance ratings required by Table 3-4, in accordance with the following:

-The area below the platform shall be enclosed on all sides with solid construction.

-The horizontal area of stage construction shall not exceed the following:

Wood frame: maximum area - 400 square feet.
Fire retardant treated wood: maximum area - 1,200 square feet.
Noncombustible frame: maximum area - unlimited.

-The floor of the stage, when wood is used, shall be at least one inch nominal thickness, and shall be laid on a solid, noncombustible backing, or all spaces between supporting members shall be fire-stopped with noncombustible material.

Place of Assembly with Multiple Spaces

Q: I have a Place of Assembly with multiple spaces that are open to one another or are separated by non-fire rated construction. How do I define the limits of my Place of Assembly, and the Total Number of Occupants?

A: When Place of Assembly Spaces are open to one another or are separated by non-fire rated construction, the spaces should be considered all one Place of Assembly. One PA Application should be filed, and the aggregate total of Occupants for all spaces will be the Maximum Number of Persons for the Place of Assembly. A Reconsideration may be required for this condition.

Temporary Place of Assembly Permits

Q: What is the procedure to obtain a Temporary Place of Assembly Permit (TPA)? What are the submission requirements?

A: Check out TPPN 7/96, which outlines the submission requirements. TPA's should be filed at least 10 business days prior to the TPA event. TPA's are required where a space does not have a PA Permit and event is planned for the space which exceeds 75 persons. A TPA Permit is also required where an existing Place of Assembly will be occupied in a special way (eg: more Occupants that that which is approved) for a one day event.

The DOB fee for submission (as of 1/2005) is $250, plus a $100 late fee for each day less than 10 days prior to the event.