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Good intentions, but...
We must say we're pretty uneasy about the widely reported news that the City Council will vote Wednesday about an ordinance that could put a big dent in the local music scene.
Drawing on the 2003 tragedy at the E2 nightclub, during which 21 people were killed in a stampede, the ordinance would require independent promoters to buy a license ($500-$2,000) to do business with city clubs as well as acquiring $300,000 in general liability insurance. (This would only apply to venues with less than 500 fixed seats.)
According to the Chicago Tribune's Greg Kot: "The ordinance in effect singles out some of the city’s most respected clubs and theaters, including Metro, Schubas, Park West, the Vic, Buddy Guy’s Legends, Martyrs, the Hideout, the Riviera, Uncommon Ground and dozens more establishments with a history of running safe, well-managed events."
We echo Kot's concern that the result will inevitably be that many concerts, simply, will no longer happen as a result of the new fees. Heck, we just staged our fifth-annual Rock 'n' Vote show at Double Door--a fully licensed venue--but we'd be lying if we said this ordinance wouldn't hinder our ability to host another one.
Naturally, people's lives are more important than music. But there must be a better way to demonstrate control over concerts and keep the public safe that doesn't prevent so many legitimate shows from happening at all.
What do you think, Chicago music fans?
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