The West Jordan City Council has officially voted to delete outdated city code regulations that imposed strict rules on public dances and dance studios. The decision, made during a public meeting on April 14, removes requirements reminiscent of the film Footloose.
Every council member voted in favor of deleting the code. Following this vote, there are no longer special rules for hosting a dance beyond standard business or event licensing.
The former regulations, located in Title 4, Chapter 2, Article K, included several specific mandates. Under the old code, public dances were required to stop before 2:00 A.M. and could not restart before 8:00 A.M. Additionally, individuals under the age of 16 were required to have an adult present.
The previous code also mandated that lighting be maintained at least 5 feet above floor level throughout a building and required all seating areas to remain in full view of the main dance floor. Furthermore, patrons were prohibited from leaving the dance area without paying full price to re-enter.
The City Council reviewed the code during a Committee of the Whole meeting in late March. Senior Assistant City Attorney Patrick Boice told the council that no one at the city recalls these rules ever being applied or granted, describing the regulations as something from a bygone era.
Council Chair Bob Bedore commented on the change by stating, "We can now go to the Lehi Roller Mills."
