Manhattan says No to Bitcoin Block Party

When it comes to bitcoin and digital currency, New York hasn’t always held the greatest appeal.  Controversy has been wandering about ever since the introduction of the BitLicense, and now it appears that the island of Manhattan is striking another negative chord.

A Manhattan-based Community board has ruled that a bitcoin decentralization party will be refused permits.  The party is a joint venture between the restaurant GMT Tavern and a film production company known as Cut Rush Creative Labs, and both groups were aiming to support bitcoin and its usage.

Cut Rush Creative’s Van Nguyen commented on the community board’s actions, saying:

“They were reluctant not because of Bitcoin, but because the community boards for each area are very reluctant to do any events in their area.  What I don’t understand are the countless food events where it’s just funnel cake and kebab stands.  The community board argument is that my event doesn’t improve the community and I’m not from that neighborhood.  I’m sure most of the kabob stands aren’t from the area either.”

In contrast, the community board described the party as a “loose group of individuals who are supporters of decentralized currencies like Bitcoin to promote its use … who primarily live in Brooklyn and have no ‘indigenous relationship’ to the area.”

What do you all think?  Are privileges being abused, here?  Are the rules being thrown out the window?  Post your thoughts and comments below.