CHIRP: Chicago Independent Radio Project

Posted by Dustin D. on May 7, 2008 around 2pm

Back in 2000, the City of Chicago passed what has lovingly been referred to as the “anti rave ordinance”, which essentially made it possible for property owners, promoters and DJs to be fined up to $10,000 for being involved in an unlicensed dance party.

Promoters were outraged, but wide spread enforcement was never really seen.

Last year, the City Council tried to push through an all new “promoters ordinance” that was delayed once music activists caught wind of it. Like most things, of course this wasn’t the last we’d hear of it.

In his column at the Chicago Sun Times, Jim DeRogatis reports that the city is once again trying to crack down on what they term “underground” promoters. Problem is that they’re making it virtually impossible for any legitimate promoters that aren’t the size of Jam Productions or the folks behind Lollapalooza to put on shows across the city.

As DeRogatis writes, “If approved by the committee and the City Council, the law would require anyone promoting any event drawing more than 100 people to obtain a license — even if they are working with a well-established and already licensed promoter.”

Well, that would most definitely affect any group that is trying to do a fundraiser (including us here at CHIRP). Events like the annual CHIRP record fair, Renegade Craft Fair, and myriad other fund raisers for wholly worthwhile groups would be required to obain an additional $300,000 in commercial liability insurance or more (even if the venue is insured).

“As it now stands, the law would only allow venues with “fixed seating” — that is to say, chairs that can’t be removed — to host one-time events by unlicensed promoters like our magazine or benefit in the example above. This requirement rules out the exact sort of clubs that would most benefit from these events, including venues such as the Empty Bottle, Buddy Guy’s Legends and Metro.”

So if this ordinance passes, don’t expect to see any more events hosted by local magazines or not for profit groups at your favorite music venues.

Read the entire article here. Then call up your local alderman and give them a piece of your mind!