Repeal of Cabaret Card Law

Mayor Lindsay signs a bill repealing the law requiring so-called "cabaret cards" for musicians, bartenders, and others working in New York City. Performers and union leaders address Mayor Lindsay, Councilman Edward Sadowsky, and Commissioner of Licenses Joel Tyler, praising the bill and their efforts to see it passed.

Lindsay lists off the men and women involved in the bill.

Commissioner of licenses Joel Tyler speaks. He praises the bill, which removes licensing requirements from those working those working in cabarets. The bill would affect 40,000 men and women. He considers the passage of the act the greatest thing he had done in his time as commissioner and a great day in the history of New York.

Lindsay praises Tyler's work.

Lindsay hears from men and women in favor of the bill.
David Seigel, president of the local Bartender's Union, praises the bill and the mayor.
An unnamed woman (Sally [Prinnick]) from "the theatrical profession" thanks him.
Al Knopf, an officer in the musician union, discusses his history as a musician being forced to be fingerprinted among other indignities. Knopf and Lindsay appear familiar with each other. Knopf thanks those responsible for the passage of the bill.
Milton Weintraub, secretary of the fact-finding committee of all theatrical unions, thanks Lindsay et al. for the passage of the bill on behalf of union members.
An unnamed speaker involved in the theatrical industry discusses the bill and past efforts to change the law.
Frank Kinney of the Bartender Union, thanks Lindsay as well.

Councilman Sadowsky speaks on behalf of his follow sponsors of the bill in thanking Mayor Lindsay. He ties the bill into privacy issues - the right of the people to be left alone.

Lindsay speaks of his time as a congressman when the issue came up, echoing Sadowsky's views on privacy. He is deeply gratified that the requirement was finally repealed. He speaks of the history of attempts to repeal the law.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 92378
Municipal archives id: T2049