Event Promoters' City Heat

In the past, the city of Monroe has been the scene of some big promotional events that brought many big-name stars perform. The artists have played to standing room crowds and have, from time to time, providing economic stimulus to the city. Now, the Monroe Dispatch has learned that some promoters are allegedly feeling some heat from the city, as future events or shows can only be held at two places. Events/shows must be held at either the Civic Center or The Hub. Sources allege that the city appears to come down on area promoters and not allow future events that enable patrons to bring their own alcohol to events. Is the city saying, what has worked in the past needs tweaking? What is the cause of the sudden alleged changes in policy? All promoters are different and bring different things to the area. Many have held events in the past, and there were never any problems with the city. Sources say that within Mayor Friday Ellis' administration, promoters can't do the things that they used to do when promoting an upcoming show. As an example, the Monroe Dispatch was told that a promoter can't use his/her name on an event poster or even advertise their phone number for information. They said that it seems as though promoters do the hard work of securing and booking a show but can't get the credit. They said that it seems as though the city wants to take control of what happens when a show is booked. When someone promotes a show, they want two things to happen. That promoter wants to see a big crowd and that the people have a good time. Secondly, promoters want to make an even bigger profit after expenses. Expenses usually include security which is paid to police officers that come from ticket sales. The city gets paid for the use of the property, and everyone is a winner. Not anymore if the city has its way, say promoters. Under these alleged changes, the city would basically control everything from alcohol sales, parking, and security, while promoters would only profit from ticket sales. The city collects the rest. Promoters know that the "bigger the crowd, bigger the profit", which is perhaps why the city may want the biggest piece of the pie.

According to sources, a meeting was allegedly held not long ago on the subject of making changes in the way events/shows are held in the city. The fact that some promoters can draw big crowds for certain shows that consist of Black patrons means that profits from those shows benefit those who may be Black promoters and not to the city. Is that the reason for these changes? Promoters also, according to sources, say that alcohol permits must be secured through the state and the city if alcohol is to be consumed on city property at these events. In addition, the number of officers must be equivalent to the crowd size, with the city setting the hourly rate. Promoters could justifiably feel that under these alleged changes, they are being bled dry. Under such a scenario, some promoters could go out of business. There are three sides to every story. This was one side of this story. The Monroe Dispatch welcomes another or the other side.