Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA — 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 venues accommodating 50 people or more to collect the 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.
Squilla says the bill isn’t intended to restrict artistic expression but to address public safety and quality-of-life issues.
After an outcry by musicians and fans on social media, the councilman says he’ll consider amendments.
An American Civil Liberties Union official tells the Philadelphia Inquirer: “When police make lists, Americans get nervous.”
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