Vernon Municipal Code Ch. 5.32 Dances, Dance Halls, and Clubs

For the purposes of this chapter the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:

"Club dance"

means a dance held by a dancing club.

"Dancing club"

means any club or association of persons which conducts dances for its members or bona fide guests more often than once per month.

"Public dance"

means a gathering of persons in or upon any premises where dancing is participated in, either as the main purpose of such gathering or an incident to some other purpose and to which premises the public is admitted.

"Public dance hall"

means a place where dancing is conducted, where marathons or walkathons are conducted, whether for profit or not for profit, and to which the public is admitted, either with or without charge, or at which the public is allowed to participate in the dancing, either with or without charge.

(Prior code § 18.55)

It is unlawful for any person to conduct or assist in conducting any public dance hall, dancing club or any public dance in the City unless under and by authority of a written permit from the City Council. No permit issued under this chapter shall be transferable except with the consent of the City Council.

(Prior code § 18.56)

A permit to conduct public dance halls, dancing academies or public dances will be issued by the City Council only upon the written application. Every such written application for a permit shall be presented to the City Council and shall set forth the following facts:

A. The name and residence of the applicant, and, if the applicant be a firm, the names and residences of the partners thereof; if the applicant be an association, the names and residences of the officers thereof; and if the applicant be a corporation the names and residences of the officers and directors thereof.

B. The place for which the permit is desired or in which any dance is to be, or dances are to be, held.

C. The number and dates of dances to be held under the permit.

(Prior code § 18.57)

The City Council, before issuing any dance permit, will first satisfy itself that the conduct of such dance hall, dancing club or public dance will comport with the public welfare, and, for this purpose, will consider any facts or evidence bearing on the place where the proposed public dance hall, dancing club or public dance is to be located, the character, reputation and moral fitness of those who will be in charge of it, or other facts or evidence tending to enlighten the Council in this respect.

(Prior code § 18.58)

A permit issued under the provisions of this chapter shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises where the dance for which such permit is issued is conducted and shall be so posted during all the time dancing is taking place.

(Prior code § 18.59)

Any person conducting any public dance, club dance, dancing club or public dance hall shall pay a permit fee in an amount set by resolution of the City Council.

(Prior code § 18.60)

No dance permit shall be issued for a period longer than six months.

(Prior code § 18.61)

The City Council may make rules governing public dance halls, public dances and dancing clubs not in conflict with the laws of the State.

(Prior code § 18.62)

It is unlawful for any minor person under the age of 18 years to enter, be or dance in any public dance or club dance unless accompanied by his or her parent or legal guardian. It is unlawful for any parent or guardian of a minor under the age of 18 years, or the proprietor or person in charge of any public dance or club dance to permit any such minor person to enter, be or dance at any public or club dance unless accompanied by his or her parent or legal guardian.

(Prior code § 18.63)

It is unlawful for any person to conduct or assist in conducting any public dance, public dance hall or club dance on Sunday or between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. on other days.

(Prior code § 18.64)

All public dance halls or places where public or club dances are held shall, when dancing is being held therein, be brightly lighted throughout and the volume of illumination must not vary during the time such dance hall or public dance is open to the public or such club is open to its members or guests.

(Prior code § 18.65)

It is unlawful for any person in charge or assisting in the conduct of any public dance hall or any public dance or club dance to permit any intoxicated, boisterous or disorderly person to enter, be or remain in, or to assist in any such public dance hall, public dance or club dance. It is unlawful for any person in an intoxicated condition to enter or remain in any public dance hall, public dance or club dance or for any person to conduct him or herself in a boisterous or disorderly manner in a public dance hall, public dance or club dance.

(Prior code § 18.66)

No public dance hall shall have any private rooms or booths in connection therewith. For the purpose of this section the term "private room or booth" shall include any room, booth, alcove or enclosure, every part of which is not clearly visible at all times from the main dance floor located upon the same floor upon which such private room or booth is located.

(Prior code § 18.67)

It shall be the duty of the Chief of Police and police officers of the City, in addition to their several duties, to inspect any and all dance halls or places where public dances are held and they shall be permitted to enter free of charge any place where a public dance is held for the purpose of inspection.

(Prior code § 18.68)