received by Tillie's Bean. My office has received a number of comments
about this issue. Thank you for writing and letting me know about this
problem.
Currently the city requires a "place of entertainment license" for
coffee shops and restaurants that have up to three performing musicians.
The music can't be amplified if the land is zoned C1, and can be
amplified if it is zoned C2 or higher.
I think this is arcane, and not something the city should be worrying
about. The city needs to care and should still regulate dance floors or
dance clubs that open in neighborhoods and the sound levels of amplified
music, but I don't think the city needs to worry about acoustic
musicians in coffee shops.
To solve this problem, I will be proposing that the city allows the use
of up to three acoustic musicians in a coffee shop without requiring an
additional license.
The "Coffee Unplugged" ordinance will be introduced at the next Council
meeting, and if all goes well should be in effect in six weeks. Up to a
dozen coffee houses currently being charged $400 a year should benefit.
Our small businesses need our support, and I know many residents would
enjoy a warm place to relax with great music this winter. We want more
music in the city.
Thank you for letting me know and please tell your fellow musicians to
write their Council Members in support of "Coffee Unplugged."
Sincerely,
Gary Schiff
City Council Ward 9