“Albany County did not issue any permit nor give any verbal permission allowing for this past Saturday’s 2Hot4U Talent Show which was held at the Arbor Hill Sports Complex. Guidelines advise against mass gatherings because they pose a significant risk of transmission of COVID-19. Albany County Department of Health spoke with one of the organizers on Friday and explained to him that the talent show violates current NYSDOH youth sports and recreation guidelines as well as potentially gathering limit guidelines.  He confirmed that he would cancel the talent show. 

Later Friday afternoon, a woman visited the Albany County Department of Health saying she had been told by the Mayor’s office that in order to hold her dance competition, she would need a permit from ACDOH.  Our health department does not issue permits for large events. ACDOH offers temporary or mobile food permits. Localities offer special use permits for gatherings like this one. ACDOH does provide guidance on the rules issued by the New York State Health Department. The woman approached our Environmental Department and was told that we only issue permits for food vendors. The event did not involve any food vendors and she was told that since the expected attendance was going to exceed 50 people that alone, would prohibit the event from being held. She left without a permit of any kind.

There have been media reports quoting event organizers which say this was sanctioned by Albany County. It was not and those reports are false.”