April 20, 2010
The Mama Buzz Cafe in Oakland wouldn't seem to be the sort of place that would bring down the arm of the law, provoke activists and trigger reform from City Hall.
But the small Telegraph Avenue cafe dared to do what is commonplace in other cities: It had someone play live music.
That brought a citation from the Oakland Police Department, enforcing an arcane and archaic city law requiring a $2,200 cabaret permit process for live music - even in small venues, regardless of whether it was a folk musician on a guitar.
Tonight, the Oakland City Council is proposing to revise its cabaret ordinance to make it easier for places like Mama Buzz to have live performances.
"It's a big step forward in terms of how this city perceives fun," said Max Allstadt, a Mama Buzz patron who helped push for the changes. The city "used to think that fun was a problem. But in the last few years, nightlife has become a real asset to the city."
Under the proposed rules, the city would create a separate set of rules for small cabarets - those with a capacity of fewer than 50 people.
Cabarets would be defined as venues that charge a cover charge, provide entertainment and serve liquor. Places that don't have a cover charge, but allow dancing, serve alcohol and are open past 11 p.m. would also be included.
Venues that have a capacity of fewer than 50 people, would require a $250 annual permit. If they close by 9 p.m and don't charge a cover, they won't require a cabaret permit at all.
http://www.sfgate.com/restaurants/article/Oakland-reviews-live-music-at-small-venues-3191593.php
