A Philadelphia city councilman is hearing boos for a proposal that would seemingly give police the authority to approve which bands, rappers and DJs can perform in certain venues.
The bill proposed by Councilman Mark Squilla last week would require restaurants, nightclubs and bars accommodating 50 people or more to collect contact information for all performers. They would be required to give the information to police, if asked. Police would then decide whether they get a license to perform.
The proposal unleashed an outcry by musicians and fans on social media.
The Districts, a rock band from central Pennsylvania, tweeted a link to a Change.org petition against the bill, saying, “This bill must be stopped! Please read, sign and keep #PhillyMusic alive and well!”
In a statement on his Facebook page, Squilla said the bill is being misinterpreted and isn’t intended to restrict artistic expression but to address public safety issues by closing a loophole that has allowed venues to operate without a license.