All ages: Graham considering "emergency legislation

I agree with the fear of what stops a shooter from getting someone else.

i might be wrong here, but i suspect that Graham's position isn't that this will stop shootings, but it'll prevent youngins from getting shot. "if someone takes a bullet, let's make sure its not a child". "give kids a chance to grow up safe, they can take risks as adults".

i don't agree with this approach, the real issue is how to ensure that venues such as this one are safe in the first place. the 930, BC and others seem to be able to pull it off. what's the difference here - better staff? different clientele? unless there is a clear-cut delineation between the two - one that can be legislated and enforced - knee-jerk politicians have an easy reaso to keep under-18s out of all of them. only takes one bad apple…

I was pondering the difference in my earlier post. Either the 9:30 and Black Cat have excellent (or good enough) security-type checks, or it's some sort of cultural thing. You know, not to stereotype, but a sort of nerdy white indie guys being less likely to go gunning places up than big black rap guys…


I'd actually like to go to that round table. But I just love how they hold it when it is obvious I am still in school. I get out at 2:10 and could get down there by 2:30 or 2:45…would it be over? Would I lose credibility arriving horrifically late?

Some of my fondest memories are of attending shows as a minor at the old 9:30 Club and Capital Ballroom among others. To think that anyone under 18 would not be able to go to a venue like 9:30 or Black Cat is just sad. Graham knows that most of these kids are from the Burbs and won't be DC voters anytime soon or at all. It's political grandstanding at it's ugliest.

Mary J.Bilge

Originally posted by Surly Bonds:

How will this affect the food at The Birchmere?

Chicken fingers sales will go down.


Btw, why is it that they want to kick 17 year olds out of nightclubs but the very same people have no problems whatsoever giving those very same 17 year olds a government issued gun and sending them off to some foriegn land to have to dodge all kinds of bullets, bombs and depleted uranium?

Send the sons and daughters of the politcally privileged off first! Then maybe I'll think about your assinine legislations. :mad:

And Shadrach, what you said! I missed out on so many good shows when I was a teen. To this very day, I believe that most clubs, when run properly, should be able to allow in all ages. Especially the clubs that are concert venues. It's a win/win for both the teens wanting to see a few bands and the bands wanting to fill the house.

MIndcage, you are misinformed. The girl who was shot was not the one who was thrown out of the club for allegedly smoking weed. That girl, identity unknown, is still at large.

I'd actually like to go to that round table. But I just love how they hold it when it is obvious I am still in school.

not to discourage your participation in a democratic process, but i wonder if folks at the roundtable will give much time or attention to non-voters (i.e. minors). their whole approach is paternalistic, "we know better so let us decide for you".

Mary J.Bilge

Sorry Twangirl! :) I had read it wrong on the neighborhood listserv when Graham originally wrote the first message. Damn wouldn't that be some crazy irony if it was the person that was thrown out for smoking…

There's been a few people already from the neighborhood replying back to Graham saying how they'd vote against any law that would restrict minors from attending live music venues.

He was quick to email me yesterday about the policing problem, but when I wrote him this morning about the round table, I've not seen anything back yet.

MindCage
Mindless Faith
Deep6 Productions

a girl is thrown out of 1919 for smoking weed. she brings back a male friend with a gun. they argue with a bouncer upstairs in 1919. the weed girl's male friend's gun goes off by (accident?) and hits a 17 year old innocent bystander girl who dies. didn't someone get murdered at a reggae show at the old 930? fenty sez he cannot believe minors are allowed in establishments that serve alcohol (that are not restaurants).

Btw, why is it that they want to kick 17 year olds out of nightclubs but the very same people have no problems whatsoever giving those very same 17 year olds a government issued gun and sending them off to some foriegn land to have to dodge all kinds of bullets, bombs and depleted uranium?

doesn't one have to be 18 to join the army? guess that's the crux of their argument: at 18 you can do everything - vote, go in to bars (but not drink), enlist… but 17 & under, you're a minor thus your decisions can be over-ruled through legislation.

actually, 17 is the minimum age for enlistment. They do this, as I understand it, because then recruiters can get to kids while they're still in high school.

Yeap, 17!

It's been that way for decades. If you are use to doing job searches, you will see what look like all of these cool jobs that are actually tricks to get you to enlist in the military. They all are very clear about must being between the ages of 17-35. (Blatant age discrimination, if you ask me, but not one I'm going out of my way to complain about. It looks especially strange when they require a Ph.D for the job.)

Mary J.Bilge

By federal law (10 U.S.C., 510), the minimum age for enlistment in the United States Military is 17 (with parental consent) and the maximum age is 35.

so a 17 year-old still can't make his/her own decision about signing up. the war against under-18's continues.

A couple good pieces on this issue at DCist and City Paper. According to the City Paper

"Graham says his legislation would not affect the 9:30 Club and certain other concert venues because its class of operating license would be excluded. But, as it stands, the Black Cat would be affected.

Black Cat owner Dante Ferrando says he's reserving judgment until he sees whatever legislation Graham finally settles on. â??I'm definitely concerned about it,â? he says. â??D.C.'s underground music scene has been a very vibrant scene that has had a huge impact on a lot of people. I do think that something like this would damage it severely.â?


While I can see it being of concern with the Black Cat, don't they already have a wishy washy CYA policy regarding under 18s?

Definitely wishy washy!

"Our shows are all ages. No one under the age of 21 may consume alcohol. 18+ is fine, but those under 18 must have parental permission and we like them to be accompanied by an adult."

So a note from Mom would work!

This could effect a few more places than just the Black Cat. Doesn't that place Sully's (formerly U-Turn) do all age punk/hardcore shows on Sat and Thurs? I'm guessing it's going to stop clubs that don't have live entertainment licenses from getting away with having DJs and bands performing.

MindCage
Mindless Faith
Deep6 Productions

not really. i mean, they mention something about having an adult with you on their website, but i've NEVER been there with an adult and have never been stopped going through the door…maybe because i look older…but they gladly stamp my hands…i have seen kids even younger than me there without adults, too…

it' definitely a Cover Thy Arse policy… it's there in case they need to turn away an unaccompanied under 18 for any reason even if they have a ticket. i.e. showing up drunk…

It's hard to imagine young punx like Dante showing up to gigs at the 930 with parents in tow, back in the day…