This entry is re-posted from my own blog, but it’s important enough to bear repeating. As Patrick H. says, this ordinance is “Terrifying”:
Tomorrow, the city council votes on an ordinance requiring anyone organizing a concert of any scale, at any (already) licensed venue, to be a licensed promoter. This is very dangerous to Chicago’s rich music scene, and to the arts in Chicago in general.
- The definition of “event promoter” is so loosely defined it could apply to a band that books its own shows or a teenage kid trying to get his favorite band into town.
The “event promoter” must be licensed and will pay $500 – $2000 depending on expected audience size.- To get the license, applicant must be over 21, get fingerprinted, submit to a background check, and jump over several other hurdles.
- This proposed ordinance seems targeted towards smaller venues, since those with 500+ permanent seats are exempt.
These issues have been tirelessly highlighted by Jim DeRogatis at the Sun Times. There are two interviews that are very much worth reading: Alderman Shulter and the Department of Business Affairs. Please, if you’re in Chicago, sign the “Stop the promoter’s ordinance petition” and contact your alderman. via CYSTSFTS
UPDATE: the ordinance has been put back into committee, to get more input from the community.
