Attack on the Underground

Leave it to the overpaid, corrupt, sold out City government to go after the last few things that make Chicago a worthwhile place.
This new ordinance, scheduled to be voted into law this week, will attempt to strangle the last bit of life out of small music venues, underground theaters, apartment galleries, and poetry readings, by forcing prohibitive fees on holding small public events. The era of the speakeasy is back!

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.