Benefits of Investing in a Nightlife Economy

• Reduce crime with more coordinated eyes and ears monitoring the street
• Maximize existing city resources by increasing sales, tax revenue and general fund contributions
• Grow city service budget by attracting a larger base of residents and businesses
• Match service allocation with peak-time demand
• Revitalize business districts by using restaurants and nightlife to drive initial foot traffic
• Draw a creative class of innovators and entrepreneurs to develop sustainable business
• Provide a spectrum of social experiences for all ages and lifestyles
• Propel relocation of corporate headquarters and research facilities seeking to recruit the creative class
• Expand tourism and convention trade
• Capture post-event markets generated by stadiums and theaters to support local businesses
• Attract students and faculty for local colleges and universities
• Create jobs and careers in hospitality

New Issues & Legislation

• Business Meal Deductibility
• Card-Check Legislation
• Credit Card Interchange "Swipe" Fees
• Estate Tax Repeal
• Federal Cash Wage Increase
• Food Safety
• H-2B Visas
• Health Care
• Immigration Reform
• Menu Labeling/Nutrition Information
• Minimum Wage
• Paid Sick Leave
• Restaurant Depreciation
• Small Business Access to Capital
• Trans Fat Bans
• Travel Promotion Act
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit

History

Live Music Threatened & the NCIAA Defended the Industry

Congress had considered two bills that would hold bands, DJs, bartenders, promoters, venue owners, radio stations and others liable if a patron uses drugs at a nightclub or concert. Legal experts and business owners warned that the legislation would devastate the music industry and would spell the end of live music, especially large music festivals like South by Southwest and Burning Man.

The Ecstasy Awareness Act would of thrown anyone in jail who "profits monetarily from a rave or similar electronic dance event knowing or having reason to know" some event-goers may use drugs at the event. Similarly, Section 305 of the CLEAN-UP Act makes it a federal crime - punishable by up to nine years in prison - to promote "any rave, dance, music, or other entertainment event, that takes place under circumstances where the promoter knows or reasonably ought to know that a controlled substance will be used or distributed."

Under the provisions of both bills, almost any music promoter, nightclub owner or arena or stadium owner could be fined and jailed, because a reasonable person knows that some people use drugs at musical events. Business owners could be prosecuted even if they are not involved in drugs - and even if they take steps to stop drug use on their property.

The NCIAA along with Music fans, bar and nightclub owners, music promoters, as well as national groups such as the ACLU, American Beverage Licensees (which represents thousands of bars and nightclubs), and the International Association of Assembly Managers (which represents arena and stadium managers), launched a national campaign that defeated the legislation and signed letters to Congress warning that the CLEAN-UP Act "is a threat to free speech and musical expression, and will undoubtedly harm innocent business owners."

Other Disastrous Proposals Defeated

• Calls for an End to our Businesses
• 1 AM Closings
• An End to Bottle Service
• Ban on dancing in restaurants and taverns
• No More Full Liquor Licenses for Bars or Lounges
• Severe Fines for Sound Systems being ‘PLAINLY AUDIBLE’
• Expensive Bathroom Renovations to Enlarge Women's Rooms
• Prohibiting establishments from hiring police officers for extra security
• Prohibiting the solicitation of drink orders by bartenders and wait staff
• Prohibiting advertising, signage, and accepting promotional material
• Prohibiting venue(s) to establish and enforce dress codes and age requirements
• Prohibit those under 21 from entry into ABC-licensed venues even if they are not drinking