Councilman Squilla Re-introduces Entertainment Permit Bill
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia city councilman Mark Squilla has re-introduced a bill that would require bars to get a permit for entertainment, even if it's not a live D.J. or band.
Councilman Squilla was beset by critics in January when he first introduced a bill to regulate bars that turn into music venues without permits, because they stream entertainment instead of hiring live performers.
But, as he concedes, terms put into the bill as it made the rounds in city government would have required bands to register with the city and given police veto power their performance permits.
"This time I just introduced it myself without administrative changes," said Squilla.
Squilla says the language that upset the city's music industry has been removed, but the city will still be able to regulate large venues which, he says, is an important concern to his constituents that live near bars that morph into major attractions; bringing noise and nuisance behavior.
