West New York, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

The Board of Commissioners of the Town of West New York regulates adult entertainment through Chapter 114, Alcoholic Beverages, Article VIII, titled Nude Dancing. The rules attach to liquor-licensed premises. Section 114-38 defines nude or nearly nude activity in three ways: exposing any portion of the pubic area, anus, vulva or genitals, or any simulation of them; a female exposing the areola or nipple, or a simulation; and any dance, episode or musical entertainment performed in a lewd or indecent manner that the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find appeals to the prurient interest, or performed to draw the spectator's attention to the breast, buttocks or genital organs of the performer, clothed or unclothed.

The Board's printed findings in Section 114-38(A) include protecting property values, preventing blight and deterioration of neighborhoods, enhancing the quality of life, and decreasing the incidence of crime, disorderly conduct and juvenile delinquency.

Section 114-38(C) bars a plenary retail consumption licensee from providing live entertainment where performers are attired in no more than bikini briefs, and from live entertainment where performers receive tips or gratuities placed within or under the costume. Section 114-39 then makes it unlawful for any person to conduct or perform, or allow to be conducted or performed, any nude or nearly nude activity on or within any premises for which a retail alcoholic consumption license has been issued.

Section 114-41 grandfathers any go-go bar operating as a retail liquor establishment licensed by the Town on or before January 1, 1996. The exclusion is nontransferable and ends on any transfer of the plenary retail consumption license, and the Commissioner of Public Safety is directed to compile the list of those bars. Section 114-42 revokes the go-go dancing privilege on any violation of the chapter, any applicable statute, or the rules of the State Director of Alcoholic Beverage Control, with due process hearings following Section 114-71.