[Xewksghy]

1. Fining venues because a performer has a beverage on the stand while 6' away up to 150 patrons/spectators are drinking is absurd.

2. Permitting venues to remain open until 1am or later. Municipal staff have proposed this only to have it voted down by council.

3. Do not harass music venues when malicious reports about noise are repeatedly reported by the same person.

4. Stop entertaining complaints by apartment owners who knowingly rent or buy accommodation in the vicinity of an established Class 1 or Class 2 licensed property and subsequently complain.

5. Do not entertain noise complaints about venues with acoustic music or with an amplified acoustic/standup bass.

6. Do not fine musicians or the establishments where they are playing when said musicians have a refreshment on the stage with them. I have yet to see this happen at The Orpheum.

7. Facilitate the granting of music and dancing permits. There are 50 + dance studios in town but very, very few places for the students to dance to live music.

8. Do not threaten license holders with removal of their license other than as a last resort. Even drunk drivers don't lose their livelihood when exceeding the limit.

9. Remove noise regulations from acoustic venues with a microphone/vocalist. (It isn't possible for them to exceed 70dB)

10. Annul the 2 performer limit - others should be permitted to sit in.

11. I have heard that a few years ago a downtown venue with a classical trio was closed because of noise. Any info welcomed.

11. Establish special venue permits for music students to hone their skills.

12. Revisit the Neighborhood Pub concept. It is a misnomer. It has become the Neighborhood Sports Bar where one has to shout above multiple televisions on multiple channels.

13. Stop responding to 911 calls about noise. Police should be tracking guys with guns.

14. Stop responding to malicious complaints from neighboring establishments who are losing business to a music venue.

15. Failing all else insist on venues having Sound Level Recorders in place. eg
(http://www.cesva.com/prod/?lang=eng&...t&subpag=RS-60). This will allow venues to self monitor.

16. Allow children accompanied by parents to visit venues with live music. (INITIALLY YOU ARE WHAT YOU LISTEN TO). My High School students were barred from going to hear both Oscar Peterson and the MJQ at the Plaza in the 80s. The regulation is still in force. Subsequently at the Hot Jazz Club it wasn't enough that I told the Liquor Board the bar would be closed. They wanted it to be boarded up!!

Examine why the Province (via the Liquor Board) and City are so intolerant of public gathering places featuring Performing Arts.

Once I have written the Petitions, (one for City and one for Province and with VANOC and very wide media distribution) I'll post them here and I would encourage you to RIGHTCLICK the url and SEND TO MAIL RECIPIENT so that they can be disseminated as widely as possible. It is important to recognize that both levels of government will only be responsive to petitions sent by SNAILMAIL.