Brooklyn Councilman Cracks Down on House Party Violence

One Brooklyn lawmaker is working to crack down on house party violence in his community.

City Councilman Jumaane Williams, who is also co-chair of the city’s Task Force on Gun Violence, proposed two pieces of legislation today to promote safer party practices. He announced the measures in Brooklyn Tuesday morning with community leaders and residents present.

The first proposed legislative measure would force party hosts to notify their community board and policy department of any party larger than 40 guests. This measure would enforce punitive damages for those who failed to notify their communities.

The second measure would target online advertising and charging for parties in private homes. Councilman Williams suggested creating fines for people who advertise their party on social media, and charge for admission and drinks.

Councilman Williams said these kinds of parties create a dangerous environment in residential areas. “When you're charging and inviting people who you have no idea who they are, where they come from, why they're there, and then you have liquor that you may be charging for also,” he said Tuesday, “that's a very bad combination on a residential block.”

Williams noted that he’s seen an increase in these kinds of large residential parties as people avoid stricter law enforcement measures at local commercial bars and clubs. He said people have begun to create their own “illegal clubs” in their homes instead.

The proposed bills are an immediate response to a shooting at an East Flatbush party last Sunday that left eight people injured.