West Orange May Ban 'Pop-Up Parties' Under Proposed Ordinance

WEST ORANGE, NJ — It’s a common trope in many Hollywood movies: throw a crazy house party to raise some cash for a worthy (or not-so-worthy) cause. But soon, rowdy fundraisers like this could face a ban in West Orange under a proposed local law.

The West Orange Town Council unanimously voted to introduce an ordinance on first reading that would ban “pop-up parties” at their Jan. 28 meeting. Read the ordinance here or view it below.

Here’s the reason why the law is needed, the ordinance states:

“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.”

What’s a pop-up party? According to the ordinance:

“Pop-up parties shall be defined as a party for profit including any event and/or gathering occurring in a residential home, apartment or other location (excluding commercial establishments such as licensed restaurants, bars, or other event halls where such activity is permitted) whereby the owner, occupant and/or operator of the residence solicits or advertises the use their residence for an event, party, or gathering and where the guests are subject to payment for tickets, wristbands, or other mode of entry into the residence, or for food, alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.”

The ordinance would take effect immediately after its final passage.

Council president Joe Krakoviak questioned if the ordinance should also include language that specifies a “corporate entity,” not just a person, would be liable for throwing a pop-up party – one of several amendments proposed during the meeting.

The ordinance will face a second reading and public hearing at a future council meeting.

Watch footage from the Jan. 28 meeting below (video is cued to the discussion and vote).

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page.