Money / It's a crime

I don't have anything groundbreaking to say about the "Event Promoters" ordinance Chicago is considering, except to ask one question: How will the steps outlined in the ordinance prevent another tragedy like E2 from happening?

21 clubgoers were trampled to death in 2003 when people tried to flee amid a fight in the E2 club in Chicago; many of the club's exits were locked or barred. Now, how charging promoters $500 to $2000 for a license -- on top of $300,000 in liability insurance -- is supposed to stop a crowd from panicking is beyond me.

The ordinance smacks of a cash-grab from the city, more than anything else. Ticket prices are sky-high for arena shows, but remain reasonable for places like Metro and The Riv. But if this ordinance -- which has been taken off the council agenda for now -- were to pass, the days of going to see punk bands on Clark for $13 may be over.

Thoughts?