A call to all Pennsylvanian bassists!!!

[LiquidMidnight]

I'm not sure how many of you are aware of this, but there is a serious problem affecting the Central PA region. Many bars are being fined for having live entertainment. The Pennsylvania Liqour Control Board has had a law on the books since 1951 that stipulates that any liscensed establishment that has any audible noise that can be detected outside the building (which even means the establishment's parking lot) is in violation. Many Central Pennsylvanian clubs have either halted live entertainment, went to kareoke, or have went out of business completely because of this law.

I'm a representative of the Pennsylvania Citizens Awareness Group (PACAG), a group dedicated to monitoring and disseminating information, and to affect positive change in legislation pertaining to live musical entertainment. Our goal is to enact legislation that will provide an objective decibel-level by which then the clubs can be judged on whether to be in violation or not. Obviously, anyone here knows that any club - despite how well it's soundproofed - is going to have music detectable outside when there is live entertainment. We have spoken with a state senator who is willing to amend the law in question, but he first must see that the bill has wide support before he sends it to commitee. What I'd like to ask of every bass player here from PA is to download one of the following form letters, sign it, and then mail it to your area's senator.

Jake Corman:

http://rockpage.net/users/jrenner/Corman.pdf

Robert Jubelirer:

http://rockpage.net/users/jrenner/Jubelirer.pdf

Richard Kasunic:

http://rockpage.net/users/jrenner/Kasunic.pdf

John Wozniak:

http://rockpage.net/users/jrenner/Wozniak.pdf

We also urge people to write personalized letters, as they have a greater impact. Still, the form letters will only take a few minutes of your time. I know that this problem really hasn't affected areas like Pittsburgh or York yet, but this is a major problem in Altoona and Johnstown. The law is still relevant to all of Pennsylvania. I know that Talkbass tries to discourage political discussions in the general forums, but I feel that this issue is totally unpartisan. I thank you all for looking at this thread and sending in the letters.

[Kronos]

I will definitely do this for ya. I live in Philadelphia, and I'm surprised this doesn't have an effect on any of the local establishments, since there are tons of places in Philly that bands play in that serve alcohol. Granted, Philadelphia can't even control the SPL's of the little cars that cost less than the sound systems, but even so, it's a bit unfair that this is affecting your neck of the woods. I will at least sign the online forms that you've listed.

[Matt Till]

It's about time they shut me up

[Steve]

As an ex- resident of the peoples republic of Pennsylvania, I feel your pain and wish you luck.

Without a doubt the single most anal retentive state I have ever lived in.

[LiquidMidnight]

Bump

[superbassman2000]

all i can say is

[Muzique Fann]

That's crazy - what an unusual state you guys have there.