On another note, I was watching a program on the Seattle Channel about this topic recently and what struck me was that there was a ton of the scenesters whining and moaning but no portrayal of the counter-argument and certainly no indication of a desire or intent to open dialog either in the nieghborhoods or with the city to actually get something resolved.

I know at NARAS we made a valiant effort at some point but as usual that ended up getting mired an high-fallutin ideals and lost focus on accomplishing a sinlge task to maintain an open dialog with the city about the health of the music scene.

My point for referencing MS was to share some of the information I recall reading back in the day. The information you present is helpful. I got you bro.

c

From Sidran’s Blog:
“in 1985 the City Council passed the “Teen Dance Ordinance” (TDO), to regulate dances that admit those under age 18; some amendments were later passed in 1988.”
http://www.seattle.gov/council/licata/up/up92.htm

From the Seattle PI:
“The now-defunct 1985 Teen Dance Ordinance went on the books after allegations of prostitution and drug use at a club called the Monastery.”
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/teen22.shtml

From Wikipedia:
“The Teen Dance Ordinance was a controversial Seattle law which severely curtailed the ability of concert and club promoters to hold events for underaged patrons. During its existence from 1985 to 2002, it was routinely criticized for its severity (often labeled “draconian”) and its effects on the local music scene and industry.”
“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teen_Dance_Ordinance”

Was it really twenty-three years ago? My impression was that the TDO went into effect in 1993. At least that’s when (or approximately when) member Mark Sidran launched his war or terror…er…artists. Check out the take on Sidran in the zipcon.net.

http://www.zipcon.net/~jvf4119/mark_sidran_rap_sheet.htm

excerpt from zipcon.net

10. The Teen Dance Hall Ordinance

* August 21, 2000, after a year and half process and over the strong objections of Mark Sidran, the City Council by a 7-1 vote effectively strikes down the teen dance…

…in particular charged that the TDO effectively shut down the teen music scene.

…including a provision requiring the hiring of off-duty police to provide the security…evidence that police used this law to shut down various venues especially hip-hop dances (largely serving a young black clientele) by simply refusing to provide the security for such events.

Sidran called it too permissive and alleged that “all it does is increase the risk and remove all of the prevention measures and security measures.”

Two days after the new law was passed, the Mayor vetoes it, shunning 18 months of work by the task force. While most city councilmembers decry the Mayor’s action, Sidran lauds the Mayor’s actions. (See Aug. 24, 2000 Stranger Article and Sept. 17th, 2000 Seattle Times article)

End of exerpt