[MeatteCen]

From today's Vancouver Sun: Quote:

[nuabuncarnigo]

The public holding the mayor accountable to his promises would be a start... Since his election, the issues surrounding licensing, etc, have fallen waaaay down the list to... THE OLYMPICS, of course. And most people have followed right along and forgotten what was promised in the first place, gotten their panties in a knot about the Olympics, and forgotten that we were supposed to have FIXED the licensing problems in this city by now.

The bone we've been thrown-- we can all go and have vodka paralyzers and listen to bass-booming club music until 4 in the morning on Granville Street. Who's in? Damn - I can't find my brazilian jeans and tube top...

[MeatteCen]

This thread veered off into another, equally important issue, generally about fair pay for musicians. I'd like to keep this topic focused because I believe some thoughtful discussion might lead to some of us organising to have some changes made to liquor licensing regulations.

The "fair pay" thread was moved here.

I've also sent an email to the Mayor, Council, and others, inviting them to join the discussion here. Quote:

[Dapnoinaacale]

Very succinctly put, Ross. Thanks for doing this. What a bunch of assholes. Maybe me and Alvin Cornista should go down there and play an "acoustic" duo set for them? They'd be begging for your guitar back in no time. I'm going to do this right away... Cheers....

[PaulRyansew]

I think Ross' open letter is excellent and clearly and intelligently articulates how the powers that be have so little understanding of how current liquor laws are bad laws addressing the wrong issues. Sorry to say it but "What a bunch of assholes" and "If I had to do it everyone should have to do it" are not very constructive responses to what has been an ongoing problem here for decades. I'm not sure what the right response should be but probably organizing performers and venue owners to present their concerns and ideas for solutions to the government would be a good start.

[emexiagog]

Hello,
Recently the Kino Cafe was ordered to adhere to the restrictions of their liquor license, which I was suprised to learn only allows 2 performers onstage, and no amplification.

In response I sent a letter (see below) to the mayor, city council and liquor licensing department. I would greatly appreciate it if you would take the time to read the letter. Then, if you agree with it, and feel so moved, would you please email the following addresses expressing your endorsement of the letter:

mayorandcouncil@city.vancouver.bc.ca
paul_teichroeb@city.vancouver.bc.ca
guy_gusdal@city.vancouver.bc.ca

Thank you

Ross Bliss


The Open Letter:

Quote:

[oscilsoda]

Ross,

Good on you for writing to the City Of Vancouver. I'am disappointed to hear that they are still busting little places like this. However they busted me 2 years ago and I had to go through all of the hoops to make sure that my license was in order. All to the tune of about $3000.00 Its a drag but if its going to be done it has to be consistent. If I had to do it everyone should have to do it otherwise its not an equal playing field. I really wish no one had to do it. The guys from Kino have called me and I have tried to help them out as much as I can because I know how hard this was for me to deal with. Good luck and I hope it all work out.

[MeatteCen]

I was hoping for more of a response to this thread, as Vancouver liquor regulations have a HUGE impact on the jazz scene here and the ability of musicians to earn a living and fans to have increased options for enjoying the music.

(I'd have replied earlier, myself, except that whenever I start thinking about the City's priorities regarding what is and is not considered acceptable - I start going crazy. Think fireworks, Indy, leaf blowers, etc., and then think no more than two unamplified musicians on a stage because of the noise???)

Now, more than ever, I think City Council and the liquor board (or whoever decides these things) might be receptive to a well-organized effort to have some changes made to their restrictive policies. I don't think most club or restaurant owners care one way or the other - they're probably happy just to have a DJ. One would hope that professional musicians, whose livelihood depends on this would care enough to try organizing something. Ross Bliss' letter is a brilliant start.

A couple of years ago Kerry Galloway mentioned a proposal to try getting tax-breaks for venues that present live music. What a great idea. It creates employment and contributes to the tourist industry. (We have to talk their language!)

Aren't there organizations that could get behind these ideas? What about the VMA, the PMIA, etc? I'll certainly do my bit here on this web site.