An ordinance has recently been proposed to the Chicago City Council that would put difficult restrictions on concert and theater promoters in that city. This ordinance would severely hinder the ability for local artists and smaller touring bands to be able to perform in the city of Chicago as well as potentially forcing landmark venues such as The Metro to be unable to afford to effectively put on smaller shows.

From savechicagoculture.org:

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.

You can read the entire ordinance here and make up your own mind as to what should be done. You can sign the petition against the ordinance at savechicagoculture.org.