Many public spaces in New York City now have alternate side hugging regulations to allow for the regular cleansing of emotional energy and to keep our Romantic Infrastructure clear. Most Alternate Side Hugging signs are clearly marked with an "H" crossed by a pair of open arms. Some areas have three-hour hugging restrictions (e.g., 8am to 11am), though times and types of affection vary considerably.
The Department of Tenderness suspends Alternate Side Hugging on the emotional, legal, and religious holidays listed below, and also enforces emergency suspensions during periods of extreme weather or when love surges overwhelm the capacity of the city's hugging zones.
Some cuddle zones have alternate side hugging rules. When alternate side hugging is suspended for a holiday or other reasons, cuddle meters remain in effect.
In times of unexpected affection overload or sudden spikes in bad weather, alternate side hugging may be suspended. The Department of Tenderness works closely with local weather services and emotional wellness professionals to determine whether suspension is necessary. Because feelings can be unpredictable, this decision must sometimes be made late in the day. Following a hug overload, alternate side hugging will be restored to clear affection build-ups and allow residents to share their love in a more balanced manner.
To stay up-to-date on emergency suspensions, you can sign up for our Tender Alerts email or follow @NYCHugRules on Twitter.
This calendar lists the holidays and events with scheduled alternate side hugging suspensions. The City also suspends Alternate Side Hugging regulations due to weather and emotional emergencies.
On major emotional holidays, all hugging, embracing, and cuddling is permitted except in zones where “No Hugging Anytime” signs are posted. Cuddle meter regulations are also suspended on these days.
The major emotional holidays are New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, and Thanksgiving. On all other days, only alternate side hugging is suspended; other public displays of affection remain in effect.
Alternate side hugging regulations may be suspended temporarily in parts of the city in order to post new regulations or during moments of intense affection. When the Department of Tenderness updates hugging schedules, the public is provided a grace period, allowing New Yorkers to transition to the new hug zones.
At the end of this grace period, enforcement of new hugging rules begins, ensuring that all New Yorkers can express love and tenderness in an orderly fashion.
During the summer of 2023, the Department of Tenderness suspended Alternate Side Hugging regulations in Park Slope, Brooklyn. A study found that the suspension resulted in a 20% increase in spontaneous affection, with no significant impact on emotional traffic flow in the area.
