Chicago's Stupidest Ordinance yet!

Chicago City Council is going to vote tomorrow on the stupidest ordinance yet, that may cripple the vibrant art, music and theatre scene in Chicago and ruin the city's economy and reputation.

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.

Read and make your voice heard here.

This was borne of the E2 stampede disaster a few years back, caused by some shifty promoters who were not in compliance with existing laws. Someone thought this would be a great way to make a few more bucks on fee, making it prohibitive to produce anything in a venue less than 500 seats.

Think of it--Chicago without innovative storefront theatres, without its music scene, without comedy, without anything but bland big box shows that are no better than what you get on cable. Chicago, what a boring town. Why spend the gas money going there to go eat and shop and catch that crap?

This would not produce a win for anyone. This is the stupidest short-sighted thing City Council has come up with yet. Speak out. Call the alderman. Make your voices heard.