All ages: Graham considering "emergency legislation

[sweetcell]

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.

[Herr Professor Doktor Doom]

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.

[Jaguar]

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

[sweetcell]

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.

[kosmo vinyl]

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. �??I'm definitely concerned about it,�?� he says. �??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.�?�
 
 
 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?

[MindCage]

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

[you be betty]

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...

[kosmo vinyl]

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...

[Herr Professor Doktor Doom]

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

[you be betty]

I don't know if any of you care, but Betty is not allowed to go to the Black Cat or the 9:30 Club anymore for...I don't know how long.  Nothing I tell my mother seems to work.  Graham also seems to be blowing this completely out of proportion, and my mother is keeping up with all the press.
 
 And let me tell you that if my parents don't budge on this the only violence going down will take place right in Bethesda.
 
 
 (Ha ha.  Just kidding.  Sort of.)

[RonniStar]

A Comment From the DCist article on this
 
 
 
 There are at least three things you can do to this effect:
 1. Call/email Graham & the Council Chair Vincent Gray (who schedules votes)
 to voice your opposition
 2. Call/email Graham and his fellow committee members (in case the emergency
 legislation gets knocked back to the committee for markup)
 3. Call/email all Council members and tell them to vote against the upcoming
 emergency legislation
 
 If you live in Ward 1, note that in your call/email to Graham (south of Spring St NW, north of Florida Ave NW, east of Rock Creek Park and west of North Capitol St).
 
 Sample Call/Email Script
 "Dear [DC City Council Member]
 Hi. My name is ____________. I am a resident of Ward __ [or a frequent patron of _______ club/bar]. I am calling concerning Jim Graham's proposed legislation to ban minors from entering establishments that serve liquor. This bill will prevent already underserved young people from enjoying live music and dancing at clubs like [the Florida Market Lounge] and [the Black Cat] that derive a portion of their revenue from alcohol sales. Underage music fans and alcohol have coexisted at these venues for decades. Banning young people will not prevent random acts of violence, but it will deprive them of a necessary and overwhelmingly safe space to congregate, connect and enjoy live music. I respectfully urge you to vote against this unnecessary and harmful legislation.
 Thank you,
 [Your Name]"
 
 ***Contacts
 1. Jim Graham, Ward 1 Councilmember
 grahamwone@gmail.com 202-724-8181
 
 2. Vincent Gray, Council Chair
 vgray@dccouncil.us
 202 724-8068
 
 **Other committee members:
 1. Kwame Brown, At-Large- ***kbrown@dccouncil.us
 2. Mary Cheh, Ward 3 - ** mcheh@dccouncil.us
 3. Main Committee Number: 202-724-8198
 
 **Other councilmembers:
 1. Schwartz: schwartzc@dccouncil.us
 2. Catania: dcatania@dccouncil.us
 Mendelson: pmendelson@dccouncil.us ;
 3. Brown: kbrown@dccouncil.us
 4. Evans: jackevans@dccouncil.us 5. Thomas: hthomas@dccouncil.us 6. Wells: twells@dccouncil.us
 7. Barry:
 

[HoyaSaxa03]

Solly's doesn't do those punk shows anymore, as far as i know ... my friend is good friends with the owner and his band (http://www.myspace.com/thesprogs) has played there, and is going to play there again in a couple of weeks, but i don't think they have regular live music there

[Herr Professor Doktor Doom]

if this goes through, underage bands and their fans will have to resort to playing on the roofs of Bethesda parking garages again:
 
    <img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/7368/2298/220/745386/gse_multipart21187.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 Springfield, VA BBQs might also once again become prominent scene venues.

[you be betty]

or i will pay them to play in my bedroom.  jesus christ.