‘Pop-Up Party’ Ban Passed In West Orange; Amendments May Come

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A “pop-up party” ban is officially on the books in West Orange, but it may end up seeing some tweaks down the line.

The West Orange Town Council voted to approve the ordinance on second reading at their Feb. 25 meeting. See the full text of the new local law here.

First introduced last month, the ordinance puts the brakes on any “party for profit,” where the hosts take payment in exchange for admission, food, alcohol or other beverages.

Here’s why the law is needed, according to the ordinance:

“The Township of West Orange has received numerous complaints from residents in various neighborhoods throughout the township regarding parties, events, and/or gatherings wherein the attendees of the events have purchased tickets or wristbands for entry into residential homes within the township. The purpose of this section is to provide recourse for the township if such ‘pop-up’ parties occur in the future and to put the public on notice that the same are prohibited as a health and safety concern for the general welfare of the public.”

The ordinance gives enforcement powers to the town police department, health department, zoning officials and fire department. Penalties are covered under existing town code, which reads:

“The township council may prescribe that, for the violation of any particular code provision or ordinance, at least a minimum penalty shall be imposed which shall consist of a fine which may be fixed at an amount not exceeding $100. (N.J.S.A. 40:49-5)”

The current version of the ordinance allows some exemptions:

“Activities, gatherings, or other events that may constitute a pop-up party under this ordinance shall be exempted where the proceeds for the same shall be used for any bona fide charitable organization licensed in the state of New Jersey and/or for political contributions to any bona fide local, state, or federal campaign which has been properly registered with the appropriate authority.”

Speaking during a public hearing, a resident expressed concern that small gatherings hosted by church groups or nonprofits which include an “offering” might also fall under the new rules.

“I just think it’s important to be careful that we don’t kill a mosquito with a shotgun,” he said.

Another resident said that with spring coming, the time to act is now.

“Those of us who have been inundated with the problem of these pop-up parties in several areas of town have to be protected,” he said, adding that the penalty needs to be high enough to be a deterrent.

The council eventually voted to pass the ordinance, with plans to circle back on potential amendments. Any substantial changes would have to be voted on at a future meeting.

Watch footage from the Feb. 25 council meeting below (video is cued to the discussion and vote).

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