Wagner.

As much as I agree with Wagner, who isn't going to be at the protest? Oh yeah, the vast majority of people who can actually vote for him and others running for city council as they will be busy working at noon on a Thursday. I understand the purpose is to grab attention of the city council and the media, but why not stage a night-time dance in front of police headquarters? Seems that would get the message across and allow more people to attend.

I guess the people who complained about the noise didn't find it all that "sober peace"-ful.

everyboby cut footloose!

Too me it seems like protesting a ticket for parking in a handicap zone without a permit.

The event organizers didn't have a permit, the party got shut down.  

Just curious which rights the dancehall operators permit/license infringes upon:

ISSUED TO:  Those conducting dances or operating dance halls within city limits. This excludes liquor premises and private occasions.

PROCEDURE:  Applications are made to city clerk (with fees) and are subject to approval by the administrative assistant. Premises are subject to inspection by fire and health inspectors. Restrictions exist as to the consumption of alcohol on dance hall premises. See alcoholic beverage license information for restrictions.

This whole ordeal is ridiculous in my opinion. I've held several events in Duluth and the city was supportive and very easy going about the whole thing as long as the proper hoops were jumped through. Getting a permit, a one off insurance policy and an off duty cop to work security was pretty much painless, inexpensive and assured the event went off without an issue. I brought 1/2 of the old Bay Front Blues festival sound system (around 40,000 watts I believe) down to Canal Park and played it at full volume until 6AM and had the full support of the city and the local police. No one is trying to infringe on YOUR rights by asking for a permit they simply want to know what's happening, when and where so they can be prepared in case police, fire, etc are needed. If you don't like having to follow the rules then stick to private parties in basements or out in the sticks out of the public eye. You can't have an "underground" all night party in plain view of the entire city and then be surprised when you get the cops called on you. Wise up. You are fighting a losing battle and only making sure that your next venture will be a failure regardless of whether you decide to go legit or not.

If this theoretical event was the first one ever run, I'd not be surprised to see it lose money.

BUT, if the theoretical event went off well, I'd be VERY surprised if the second event made a modest amount of money.

If the theoretical organizer depends on just the door to make money, he/she'd probably be very disappointed. 

Just a single stream of income is not going to make a organizer/promoter money. 

Just my opinion.

"Dance-hall" (cabaret?) permit/license requirements have always been vague in this town.

The underlying issue, I believe, is "tell us what hoops to jump through." Otherwise, it leads organizers to the old standard: It's better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.

Myself and others that have been through this all before years ago have been telling this particular group EXACTLY what hoops to jump through to make it happen. They just refuse to listen or think they know better. Rob's been around a long time, he knows the score. All this is doing is drawing MORE negative public attention to the matter and making it more difficult for future events to happen in the city. Poor judgement all around in my opinion.

How did the not guilty plea go?