Save Chicago Culture: Oppose the Chicago Promoters Ordinance

This Wednesday the Chicago City Council will vote on an ordinance that will effectively shut down smaller live events, such as the ones I promote and play at.

The “Event Promoters” ordinance requires any event promoter to have a license from the city of Chicago and liability insurance of $300,000, but that’s just the start:

* The definition of “event promoter” is so loosely defined it could apply to a band that books its own shows or a theater company that’s in town for a one-week run.
* “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 ordinance seems targeted towards smaller venues, since those with 500+ permanent seats are exempt.
* Police must be notified at least 7 days in advance of event.

Here’s a petition: http://savechicagoculture.org

If you’re in Chicago here’s where you can find your alderman:

Here’s what I wrote, based on Metro’s email that they sent out:

Please oppose the Promoters Ordinance on May 14. This ordinance is unnecessary, as current regulation of PPA licenses and safety and security guidelines are sufficient. The ordinance also unfairly singles out small venues and venues without seating, with no justification for during so. The goal for any additional regulation should be enforcement of current laws and punishment of those who do not obey them, not increased burdens on existing businesses. Additionally, the Promoters Ordinance would negatively affect the Chicago music community.

First, it would affect the bottom line of small businesses like Metro and Smart Bar, who make a significant portion of revenue from partnerships with reputable, incident-free independent promoters.

Second, losing independent promoters means Chicago music fans would lose out on many small niche events important to minority groups and others.

Third, restricting independent promoters would drastically cut into the ability to do charitable and political benefit concerts at smaller venues as it would no longer be financially feasible for non-profit organizations to organize these events.

I support live music in Chicago, and feel this ordinance would kill many great events. I want venues to be safe, but this ordinance goes too far.

Thank you,
Liz

Along with our awesome 10% sales tax Chicago is looking less and less like an attractive place to live.