Chicago Live Music Scene Faces Challenges

Chicago, IL (CNS) - It seems that a major blow to the face of Chicago live music and culture has been side-stepped - at least for now.

A pending piece of legislation, called the "Event Promoters" ordinance was originally set to be put before Chicago's City Council on Wednesday morning, but due to major public outcry, the bill appears to already be on its way back to the drawing board.

Outlined as a response to the disastrous E2 m?lée in 2003, where 21 concert-goers were trampled to death during chaos in the southside club, the bill would effectively place rigorous strictures on small club owners including:

Promoters needing a license and liability insurance of $300,000; promoters paying to host an event; promoters needing to jump hurdles (including fingerprinting) to obtain a promoter's license; and mandatory police notification for all events.

Fallout would likely include skyrocketing cover and ticket prices, and the probable closure of several legendary Chicago music venues.

No word yet on when the legislation will be offered for consideration again, but the arts community of the bustling Midwestern music Mecca could be in for a long battle over the coming years.